In a recent episode of her ‘A Touch More’ podcast, former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe challenged the motives behind initiatives to restrict transgender athletes from women’s sports. During the discussion, Rapinoe addressed an op-ed by Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy, who called for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to adopt stricter gender standards. Rapinoe criticized the Save Women’s Sports movement, questioning whether these efforts were truly about protecting women or driven by underlying fears and misinformation. She pointed out the hypocrisy of the movement, noting that the league already had no transgender players and thus the measures were unnecessary.
Rapinoe further connected the issue to broader themes of identity and self-expression, drawing parallels to the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in asserting their right to exist authentically. Her comments underscore the complex and often polarizing debates surrounding transgender inclusion in sports, highlighting the need for inclusive and informed dialogue. The op-ed by Eddy, which sparked significant backlash and support, was part of a larger conversation about the intersection of sports, gender, and equity. Rapinoe’s criticism of the Save Women’s Sports movement reflects a growing divide in public discourse over the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports and the perceived impact on female competitors.