Ahead of the game between the Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries, anti-trans athlete activists attempted to stage a protest outside the Chase Center.
But, much to their surprise, the group now referring to themselves as ‘Save Women’s Sports’ activists found themselves outnumbered by trans rights activists at their own protest.
Just hours before tip-off, several activists responding to the backlash surrounding trans athletes came in droves to show support to the community.
Trans rights activists show up in large numbers to combat ‘Save Women’s Sports’ supporters
Several trans rights activists came to push back against the ‘Save Women’s Sports’ movement supporters at the Chase Center.
When word of a protest against the inclusion of trans athletes in the WNBA spread, trans rights advocates came in droves to show their support for the trans community.
The protest and apparent counter-protest show how divisive the issue of trans athletes has become among WNBA supporters in recent weeks.
Comments from Sophie Cunningham about the inclusivity of the WNBA and trans athletes as a whole ended up creating a massively polarising issue that has now become the hot-button topic of discussion.
There are those who agree with Cunningham, who believe that trans athletes shouldn’t be allowed to play in the WNBA due to the biological advantages they will hold, among other concerns.
Meanwhile, many trans rights activists have pointed out that there are no trans athletes in the WNBA, and there are almost no prospects of any trans athletes entering the league any time soon.
The issue has taken on a life of its own, as several political forces and media outlets have made it the primary discussion point within the cultural zeitgeist.
Even former NBA athletes have entered the discussion, with players like Enes Kanter and Royce White vowing to enter the WNBA Draft and play in the league.
For the most part, many athletes, coaches, and other figures in the WNBA have continued to voice their support for the trans community.
But this has been interpreted as a push to welcome trans athletes into the WNBA, rather than showing support for a marginalised community as a whole.
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