Coach uses t-shirt to respond to rival’s transgender remarks
WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve used a message written on her shirt to make her view of the transgender athletes participating in women’s sport clear, as protesters united outside her team’s arena supporting Sophie Cunningham’s stance on the matter.
Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, sparked debate online last month after she said it was unfair for transgender athletes to be allowed to play in women’s sports.
Reeve is seen coaching with a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt on while Cunningham plays. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
The 29-year-old has continued to double down on her view when speaking to media and fans have rallied outside Fever games to support her. She has, however, made clear that she does not “hate transgender” people.
Cunningham has been widely criticised since making her remarks. She has been booed by the crowd as well as being met by opposing demonstrators.
Minnesota Lynx coach Reeve gave the WNBA a chance to discuss the opposing view to Cunningham’s when she wore a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt during the Lynx’s win over the Fever on Monday (AEST).
Reeve, a vocal supporter of transgender athletes in sport, was spotted talking to Cunningham pre-game, but she was not wearing her ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt.
Asked about their interaction and her statement on her shirt, Reeve said she was glad she and Cunningham could use their platform to educate others.
“There are some things we have in common and maybe some things you differ on, like any issues,” she said.
“I think it’s how you handle things. It was nice to (speak) in person, for sure.”
A day prior to the Fever’s 108-100 defeat to the Lynx, Reeve told reporters that her biggest concern with Cunningham’s statement was the way it was phrased.
“I come from a space of inclusion,” she said.
“The narrative that, I think, is problematic is to suggest that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women’s sports. This is what’s bothersome.
“There is a faction of people in our country that are making this a massive issue.
Cunningham attempts to stop Lynx gun Kayla McBride Getty Images
“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. That is simply not what’s happening.”
Reeve reiterated that she has no issue with individuals expressing their opinions, however, she feels the recent demonstrations have “not been peaceful”.
The Lynx coach added that she feels conversations about transgender athletes in sport required “nuance”, regardless of the level of the competition.
“To me, it’s a human rights issue,” Reeve continued.
“Every kid has the right to sports, regardless of gender diverse ... every kid has the right to access it. We need to protect trans kids, every kid.”
The Fever will take on the Aces on Friday morning while the Lynx face the Sparks.
