Sophie Cunningham Defends Stance on Trans Athletes, Citing 'Common Sense' and Child Protection

Indiana Fever guard/forward Sophie Cunningham is standing by her comments regarding transgender athletes in women's sports, asserting that her position is based on “common sense” and the need to protect children.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Cunningham addressed the controversy her remarks generated, clarifying that she does not dislike transgender individuals but emphasizes the importance of safeguarding young girls in sports and locker rooms.

“I never once said that,” Cunningham told ESPN, responding to accusations of hating trans people. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Speaking to reporters before a game against the Sun, Cunningham reinforced her views. “I said what I said, I think it’s common sense,” she stated. “I think I’ll always believe in that, it’s really important to protect children. And that’s little girls, who are also involved in that category. I stand by what I said and I’ll always believe that.”

Cunningham, who has been labeled by some online as “MAGA Barbie,” pushed back against political labels in her ESPN interview, describing her beliefs as more nuanced. “I’m very much in the middle,” she said. “I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs.”

Despite the controversy, Cunningham maintained that she extends love to all and believes there is space for everyone, including transgender athletes. “I extend love, I don’t dislike anyone, I think there’s room for absolutely everyone here,” she added. “I think there’s room to love everyone. I truly think when you get people in the same room, you actually have a lot in common with a lot of people. … But I’m also there to love biological women, and I think there are rights that need to be protected.” Cunningham stated that she is not a political person but operates from a place of personal morals.