Former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe has voiced skepticism about the underlying motives behind efforts to exclude transgender individuals from girls’ and women’s sports. In the latest episode of her podcast with Basketball Hall of Famer Sue Bird, Rapinoe addressed an op-ed by Angel City FC’s Elizabeth Eddy, who called for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to adopt stricter gender testing standards. Rapinoe, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, expressed concerns about the op-ed’s use of a controversial photo of Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda, who had previously faced scrutiny over her ability to meet gender eligibility requirements.
Rapinoe questioned the sincerity of the Save Women’s Sports movement, suggesting that some advocates may be more concerned with maintaining the status quo than with genuinely protecting female athletes. She highlighted the broader implications of these debates, emphasizing that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is as vital as the fight for equal opportunities in sports. Rapinoe’s comments came against the backdrop of a growing national discussion about the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports, with both supportive and opposing voices emerging from various sectors of society.
In a separate but related matter, Rapinoe drew a comparison between the challenges faced by transgender and gay athletes to those experienced by former U.S. men’s soccer star Landon Donovan, who faced public ridicule for his new hairpiece. She underscored the importance of self-acceptance and the right to exist authentically, suggesting that the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights shares common ground with the pursuit of equal treatment in sports. Rapinoe’s stance reflects a broader debate that continues to shape discussions on gender identity, sports participation, and civil rights in the United States.