Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "Trans Kids Belong" shirt during her team's game against the Indiana Fever, following comments made by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham regarding transgender athletes.
Reeve and Cunningham spoke at center court before Sunday's game. "I think it's great. I think both of us understand that we have platforms, and we both talked about wanting to, more than anything, educate," Reeve said about their conversation. She added that they have commonalities and differences, "just like any issues," and that it was positive to speak in person.
Cunningham has recently gained attention for her public stance against the inclusion of transgender athletes and children in women's and girls' sports. Her comments, initially published in an ESPN profile, have been reiterated in subsequent media appearances and have prompted various reactions. Rallies supporting Cunningham's views have taken place outside several WNBA arenas.
Reeve had previously expressed her support for transgender athletes. In remarks made the day before the game, without directly mentioning Cunningham, Reeve addressed the topic, stating, "It is not the case that we have, quote, biological men in girls’ locker rooms, the way it’s being phrased, the innuendo there that somehow transgender women are predators of some kind in the locker room. There’s a lot of narrative that is problematic that we need to address. That is simply not what’s happening."
Reeve also emphasized the need for protection for all children, including transgender youth. "Number one, we need to protect trans kids, every kid. To me, it’s a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports. Regardless of gender diverse, transgender. Every kid has the right to access," she stated.
Cunningham has faced both support and criticism for her opinions. She was booed by crowds in Portland on Friday and again during Sunday's game in Minnesota. Following the game in Portland, Cunningham remarked, "I’m here to play basketball, but I’m also here to be me. I’m not going to shadow that or hide or dim my light just because maybe people don’t agree with that."