Canadian powerlifting champion April Hutchinson organized the first rally in support of WNBA player Sophie Cunningham to take place outside the United States on Tuesday. The rally occurred in Toronto, outside Scotiabank Arena, ahead of the Indiana Fever's game against the Toronto Tempo.
Hutchinson, alongside other Cunningham supporters wearing XX-XY Athletics T-shirts, gathered for the seventh such rally. During the event, a small group of individuals with pro-transgender messaging approached the rally, exchanging words over perceived disrespect of their signs, according to Hutchinson.
Toronto police were present to ensure the safety of the rallygoers. However, a disagreement arose when a large mobile billboard, sponsored by the news outlet Rebel News, displayed messaging from Martina Navratilova and other athletes regarding fairness in women's sports. Police issued a ticket for the billboard, citing a violation of a municipal by-law related to animated or illuminated signs with movement or simulated motion. Rebel News stated they have retained legal counsel to contest the charges.
The Toronto Police Department confirmed that as the charge is before the courts, they could not provide further comment.
Inside the arena, Cunningham had a notable performance, scoring 13 points with perfect three-point shooting. Despite her play, many fans reportedly booed Cunningham, who has become a public figure in discussions about transgender athletes in women's sports.
Following the game, Cunningham addressed the crowd's reaction, stating, "I want to shout out the Tempo crowd, and the city, I think we had so much fun, it's my first time being in Canada... but the crowd was absolutely amazing, and I think that's what sports is all about, you're going to get boos you're going to get cheers, but just the fact that they're so passionate, they're loud and they're putting out for the city, I think it's amazing."
Future "Sophie Nights" are planned to coincide with the Indiana Fever's upcoming games in Dallas and New York.