Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a shirt bearing the message "Trans rights are human rights" prior to the team's recent game against the Indiana Fever. This action appeared to be a direct response to comments made by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham regarding transgender athletes.
Cunningham had publicly stated her support for prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports in an article published last week. She reiterated this stance in the days leading up to the Fever's victory over the Connecticut Sun.
Dolson, who has openly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community, displayed the message on a tank top while posing for a pre-game photo. The timing of Dolson's statement coincided with an anti-trans rally held outside the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
According to reports, the rally was "inspired by Sophie Cunningham." Attendees gathered to express support for Cunningham and to promote state initiatives that would prevent transgender students from competing in girls' athletics in Washington state schools.
When asked about the rally and Cunningham's comments after the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White was met with an immediate response from a team spokesperson. The spokesperson read a statement from the organization, asserting that neither the team nor Cunningham had prior knowledge of or contact with the rally organizers. The statement emphasized the team's focus on winning games and fostering fan engagement.
Neither Cunningham nor Fever star Caitlin Clark were made available to answer postgame questions regarding the rally.
Cunningham faced boos from Storm fans as she entered the game and during her initial free throw attempts. Seattle Storm head coach Sonia Raman addressed the pregame protest, stating that the organization and venue strive to be welcoming. She added that security worked with the venue to ensure attendees felt safe, included, and welcome.