Sophie Cunningham Denies "Hating Trans." So, Uh, Why Is there a Transphobic Rally At Her Next Game?

Transphobes are planning a rally in Seattle in support of anti-trans WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, following her comments against trans women in sports. The rally is slated to take place tonight at the Climate Pledge Arena ahead of the Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever game. It is being organized by the groups Women Are Real and Known Heretic, as well as right-wing influencer Brandi Kruse, according to the event flyer. The demonstration is intended to show support for Cunningham, a guard for the Fever, who recently made anti-trans comments in an ESPN profile. “Cunningham describes her position as one of honesty and care, saying her concern is for young girls who should not have to compete against males,” a press release reads. “‘With love is truth,’ she said, and we agree.” Specifically, Cunningham, who has been nicknamed “MAGA Barbie,” said that she “got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans.” While she claimed that she “never once said that,” she then proceeded to spew anti-trans talking points, stating, “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” It’s worth noting that there is no evidence that trans women in sports have a universal biological advantage over cis women, nor is there any evidence that trans inclusion in school sports harms cis girls. In fact, FIFA World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe recently wrote an op-ed for Marie Claire stating that trans-exclusionary policies in sports actually harms all girls, using the example of Washington state considering a Ballot Measure that could require all girls who want to play sports to undergo invasive sex testing if passed. Many WNBA fans are calling on the league to intervene and cancel the rally, considering that the city has a large trans population, and the team is one of the most pro-LGBTQ+ in the league. Women’s basketball writer Emmy Spersud quote-posted the flyer for the rally on X, writi