Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham was met with boos from fans inside the Moda Center in Portland on Friday night, and her supporters rallied outside the arena amidst ongoing WNBA discussions surrounding trans athletes. The events coincided with Cunningham's team playing against the Portland Fire.
Supporters gathered outside the arena to express solidarity with Cunningham and advocate for the preservation of women's sports and spaces as female. Amy E. Sousa, a women's rights advocate and organizer of the rally, stated that Cunningham has been a "voice of reason" on a contentious topic. The rally included former Olympian Inga Thompson and attorney Kara Dansky.
Nearby, a group of trans supporters also gathered in opposition to Cunningham's stance. The two groups reportedly engaged in verbal altercations. Some trans supporters present were unwilling to discuss their views on biological males participating in women's sports, with one individual reportedly stating that biological men could change their chromosomes to become women.
This incident follows a similar rally held in Seattle, where Cunningham supporters, including teenage athletes, were reportedly confronted by individuals inside the arena. Reports from that event detailed confrontations involving a co-owner of the Seattle Storm, who was subsequently fined and suspended, and a Nordstrom director.
Cunningham addressed the situation prior to the game, stating, "I'm here to play basketball, but I'm also here to be me, and I'm not going to like shadow that or hide or, you know, dim my light just because maybe people don't agree with that."
Inside the arena, Cunningham received consistent boos whenever she entered the game or touched the ball. Fans displayed trans and gay pride flags, which organizers noted were part of an "anti-Cunningham agenda." During an "inclusive companion cam," gay couples were shown kissing and trans supporters holding pride flags were featured.
The next rally for Cunningham supporters is scheduled for Sunday in Minnesota, when the Indiana Fever are set to play the Minnesota Lynx.