Former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe questioned the motives behind efforts to prohibit transgender inclusion in girls and women’s sports. During a podcast episode with Basketball Hall of Famer Sue Bird, Rapinoe addressed an op-ed by Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy, who called for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to adopt clear gender standards with different means of testing. Eddy’s column generated both backlash and support, sparking a broader debate on issues of gender equality and inclusion in sports.
Rapinoe criticized the Save Women’s Sports movement for what she saw as disingenuous rhetoric, suggesting that the real issue is the fear of competition rather than genuine concern for women’s sports. She also took issue with the use of a photo of Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda in Eddy’s column, despite Banda being removed from the Zambian national squad for failing to meet sex eligibility requirements in 2022.
Expanding on her thoughts, Rapinoe drew parallels to the struggles of gay and transgender individuals in expressing their authentic selves. She emphasized the importance of allowing people to exist in their own skin and bodies, regardless of societal perceptions. Rapinoe also touched on the issue of former U.S. men’s soccer star Landon Donovan’s new hairpiece, which sparked public reactions, drawing a comparison to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals facing public scrutiny and judgment.
Rapinoe’s comments reflect a broader conversation about gender identity in sports, with advocates on both sides of the issue continuing to debate the impact of transgender athletes on women’s sports. The issue has also gained political traction, as over 130 Democratic congressional representatives have urged the Supreme Court to side with transgender athletes in a Title IX legal battle. Rapinoe’s insights highlight the complexity of the issue, balancing concerns about competition with the rights of transgender individuals to participate in sports that align with their gender identity.