Former U.S. women's national soccer team co-captain Megan Rapinoe has publicly criticized WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for a photograph taken with activist Riley Gaines, a prominent figure in the movement against transgender athletes in women's sports. Rapinoe stated that the image, shared after a WNBA game on August 2, provided her with "everything I need to know" about Cunningham's stance on the issue.
Gaines, who has been vocal about her views since a controversial tie with Penn swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022, attended a game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. At the event, Gaines posted a picture with Cunningham, accompanied by a sign that read "Sophie, Thank You – A Girl Mom." This interaction has further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in sports.
Rapinoe, known for her own activism, commented on the situation, stating, "I don’t know Sophie, so I can only project what I see about her beliefs based on her actions." She added, "And seeing a picture of her with Riley Gaines after the game told me everything I need to know about what’s happening." Rapinoe emphasized her belief that "Riley Gaines has made it her life’s mission to exclude trans people from public life" and questioned Cunningham's alignment, noting that Cunningham has "claimed both to love trans people and support Title IX."
Cunningham has maintained that her position is not rooted in prejudice toward the transgender community. However, her public remarks have ignited significant discussion. In a recent ESPN profile, she expressed a desire to "protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men." In response to the backlash, Cunningham posted on X, "I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY."
The controversy surrounding Cunningham's statements and her association with Gaines has drawn responses beyond the sports world. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senators Ted Cruz, Eric Schmitt, and Tommy Tuberville, along with Representative Eli Crane, have publicly voiced their support for Cunningham's perspective.