Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe has recently voiced her concerns regarding the motivations behind the movement to exclude transgender athletes from women’s sports, particularly within the context of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). In an episode of her podcast, co-hosted with Basketball Hall of Famer Sue Bird, Rapinoe critically examined the Save Women’s Sports movement, which has been actively advocating for strict gender standards in women’s sports. She questioned whether the movement’s efforts were genuinely about protecting women’s athletic space or were driven by fear and misconceptions about transgender participation. Rapinoe’s comments come after she reacted to an op-ed by Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy, who called for the NWSL to adopt clear gender testing protocols, an issue that has sparked significant public debate. Her critique highlights the broader societal tensions surrounding gender inclusivity in sports.
During her discussion, Rapinoe also addressed the controversy surrounding a New York Post op-ed that included a photo of Barbra Banda, an Orlando Pride player who had been forced to withdraw from the Zambian national squad after failing to meet sex eligibility criteria in 2022. Rapinoe argued that the use of Banda’s image in the op-ed, despite her withdrawal, was emblematic of the broader issues at play. She emphasized the lack of transparency and the potential for misinformation in the discourse, suggesting that these efforts may be more about stoking fear than fostering inclusive sports environments. Rapinoe’s perspective aligns with many within the LGBTQ+ community, who view such debates as essential to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can participate in sports safely and without discrimination.
In addition to her comments on transgender inclusion, Rapinoe drew a parallel between the challenges faced by transgender and gay athletes and those experienced by Landon Donovan, a former U.S. men’s soccer star who recently discussed his transition to a new hairpiece. Donovan had previously faced public mockery over his appearance, which led to a significant shift in his self-perception. Rapinoe highlighted how these personal experiences reflect the broader struggle for self-acceptance, particularly in a society that often prioritizes conformity. Her statements underscore the importance of respecting individuals’ rights to express their true selves, regardless of societal pressures. This conversation is part of a larger dialogue about the role of sports in promoting inclusivity and the need to balance competing interests in the name of fairness and respect.