Minnesota Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Advocates for Transgender Community Amid Sports Debate
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve reaffirmed her support for the transgender community following her team’s game Thursday, adding her voice amid ongoing rallies for and against trans athletes in women’s sports. This marks at least the fourth time Reeve has addressed transgender issues in media sessions during this WNBA season.
Reeve spoke after Minnesota’s 86-66 win over the Indiana Fever, highlighting the significance of supporting the transgender community. ‘I feel the transgender community deserves our support, and the current debates regarding transgender participation in sports seem to target the wider transgender community,’ Reeve expressed.
Reeve previously wore a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt at a home game against Indiana on August 2, emphasizing her stance. This came after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s public support for restricting biological males from women’s sports. ‘Save Women’s Sports’ activists held rallies in support of Cunningham outside the Target Center during the game, leading to counterprotests by pro-trans supporters. Reeve wore her shirt again during the rally on Thursday.
Throughout the season, Reeve has engaged with Cunningham to share perspectives despite their differing views. They conversed midcourt during the August 2 game, acknowledging the impact of their platforms in educating the public.
Wearing the shirt may be a ‘small gesture,’ according to Reeve, but the feedback she received from transgender individuals and their families made it a significant moment for her. ‘The amount of communication from families, indicating how wearing a supportive T-shirt helped them feel seen, was profound,’ Reeve noted. ‘It matters deeply to transgender people who continue to face life-and-death implications.’
Reeve discussed how supporting transgender children in sports contributes positively to their sense of belonging and identity. ‘If this helps a single individual feel differently about themselves, it makes all the difference,’ she added.
Despite her disagreements with Cunningham, Reeve emphasized each child’s right to access sports, while noting complexities arise when addressing eligibility post-puberty. Reeve has argued that focusing on transgender participation diverts attention from other issues such as inadequate sports facilities for female athletes.
The WNBPA has issued statements advocating for diversity and inclusion amidst the trans athlete debate. Meanwhile, Cunningham maintains her stance, targeting safety concerns for young women in sports and locker rooms.
The WNBA has initiated discussions on trans-athlete participation, although no immediate eligibility concerns affect the league. Their focus remains on ensuring fairness and competitive integrity alongside inclusion.
With a stellar 33-11 record, Minnesota concluded the regular season at the top, while Indiana entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed with a 28-16 record.