Sophie Cunningham Supporters Plan Rally in Minnesota to Defend Women’s Sports

Jennifer Sey commented on recent events during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Seattle Storm, emphasizing the need for supporters of the ‘Save Women’s Sports’ movement to follow Sophie Cunningham to Minnesota. Sey noted that the rally in Seattle was overwhelmingly positive, stating her acquaintances at the event reported seeing her side outnumbering the opposition ten to one.

Following the encouraging events in Seattle, Sey expressed her intent to support Cunningham further at upcoming games. Sey, known for her background as a former U.S. national gymnastics champion and founder of XX-XY Athletics, is organizing a ‘Sophie Night’ rally outside Target Center before the Fever face the Minnesota Lynx.

This upcoming rally marks the third instance of support for Cunningham at consecutive Fever road games. Sey anticipates a larger turnout in Minneapolis compared to Seattle, spurred by increased attention on earlier rallies and preceding controversy at the Seattle arena.

Sey explained, ‘Our intent is to be, of course, very peaceful and nice. We just want to honor Sophie and thank her, because it really is meaningful in this fight.’ Cunningham has become a central figure in national discussions after expressing her desire to protect girls in locker rooms and competitions from competing against ‘biological men.’ She stood firm in her stance, asserting that her views are rooted in common sense.

At the Minnesota rally, supporters will encounter the WNBA’s strong advocate for transgender inclusion, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. Reeve previously expressed disapproval of political efforts to limit transgender athletes, labeling such actions as ‘sort of sickening.’

Sey criticized Reeve’s perspective on the issue as ‘ludicrous,’ arguing that the existence of the WNBA relies fundamentally on women’s sports. She remarked, ‘A third-rate NBA player that never sees time on the court would slay in the WNBA, and we all know it.’

While acknowledging some progress, such as the league’s decision not to penalize Cunningham, Sey emphasized the need for greater support from the WNBA. Despite this, the controversy surrounding Cunningham has intensified, evidenced by further incidents at a WNBA game, wherein Keaton was fined and barred from Seattle’s subsequent matches.

The confrontation has become a focal point for women in the movement, with figures from ICONS such as Kim Jones, Stephanie Turner, Kaylie Ray, and Ainsley Erzen vocalizing their support. Jones pointed out that the league’s approach indicates potential for female athletes to share their perspectives without immediate repercussions.

Despite progress noted by Jones, Turner and others emphasize ongoing challenges. Turner faced a one-year probation for refusing to compete against a transgender opponent, highlighting the need for protection at sports events. Turner, concerned about individuals filming her in public, described it as ‘probably the biggest issue that I face.’

Ray expressed puzzlement over the Seattle incident, questioning how backlash against young supporters could occur at a professional sporting event. Ray’s family, doxxed following a dispute over transgender athlete inclusion, experienced threats and filed a police report.

Erzen, noting recent WNBA disciplinary action as significant in light of past failures, expressed hope that the movement’s momentum might lead to broader acceptance and action in support of women in sports.

Looking ahead, rallies beyond Minnesota are also being considered by movement participants. Sey’s plans include purchasing additional game tickets for attendees participating in the rally outside Target Center.

Addressing intentions for the Minnesota rally, Sey stated, ‘We are going to come with love, as Sophie would say. There will be no screaming or name-calling on our part. We’re there to support Sophie and come together because we all agree that women’s sports should be protected. We welcome dissent, but do so peacefully, and leave us alone.’