Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has defended her comments regarding transgender athletes participating in women's sports, a stance that has garnered support from some conservative political figures and condemnation from others. Cunningham, who has previously faced controversy for social media posts about trans athletes, told ESPN in an interview published Tuesday that she believes she has been unfairly characterized as "hating trans."
"I never once said that," Cunningham stated. "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."
She reiterated her position before a game against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, telling reporters, "I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense," a sentiment she echoed in an Instagram caption on Thursday.
Cunningham's remarks coincide with a period of heightened debate surrounding transgender athletes' inclusion in sports, echoing policies like the executive order signed by former President Donald Trump over a year prior, which sought to ban transgender athletes from women's sports teams in federally funded K-12 schools and colleges.
Conservative figures online have widely supported Cunningham's statements. Right-wing activist Riley Gaines, who has been vocal on the issue, questioned on X which professional female athletes would join Cunningham in advocating for women's sports to be exclusive to women. Podcaster Tomi Lahren praised Cunningham for speaking out while actively playing, contrasting it with athletes who speak on the issue only after retirement.
The White House acknowledged Cunningham's comments. When asked about the controversy, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Cunningham was speaking "was speaking the truth" and found the backlash "astonishing."
However, Cunningham's remarks have also drawn significant criticism. Online users have accused her of bullying a marginalized population, with one user on X stating, "She’s not being edgy or bold, she’s bullying one of the most marginalized and endangered populations in the world which is trans children." Another user commented on what they perceived as a potential for "unemployed right wing grift." Critics have also pointed to her past as a "ring girl" for a Conor McGregor UFC event, referencing allegations of sexual abuse against McGregor, questioning Cunningham's focus on protecting women.
In her ESPN interview, Cunningham rejected the label "MAGA Barbie," asserting that her political views are "very much in the middle." She added, "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. But people love to assume."
According to the LGBTQ nonprofit GLAAD, transgender people constitute a small percentage of all athletes.