Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve expressed continued support for the transgender community on Thursday. Her comments followed her team’s 86-66 win over the Indiana Fever at Target Center. This was the third time this season that rallies over transgender athletes in women’s sports occurred outside the venue.
Reeve has addressed this issue multiple times during WNBA media sessions. She considers the support for the transgender community as an essential part of this season. Reeve remarked, “The transgender community deserves support, and current issues in transgender sports represent an attack on all transgender people.”
“They don’t want transgender people to exist.” — Cheryl Reeve
Previously, Reeve wore a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt at a home game, which sparked further debate. Her actions came shortly after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced opposition to biological males participating in women’s sports.
On Thursday, activists supporting Cunningham rallied outside Target Center alongside pro-trans counterprotesters. Similar activities took place during the Lynx’s game against the Golden State Valkyries on August 19. Reeve’s supportive gestures added more attention to the ongoing WNBA debate on trans athletes.
During the game on August 2, Reeve and Cunningham engaged in a midcourt conversation. Reeve later said that both understood the power of their platforms and aimed to educate the public despite differing views.
Reeve described wearing the shirt as a “small gesture.” However, feedback from transgender individuals and families highlighted its significance. “People communicated how impactful a simple act of wearing a T-shirt was for them,” she reflected. She emphasized her belief that this issue profoundly affects the transgender community.
“The number of parents of transgender kids that I heard from and how it helped them and their families, it helped their child think differently about themselves.” — Cheryl Reeve
Reeve first spoke on the topic in July following Supreme Court rulings on transgender sports participation. She criticized political focuses on these issues and supported trans inclusion. Ahead of the game on August 2, Reeve defended the protestors’ right to assemble but criticized the view that trans participation challenges women’s sports.
Reeve advocated for all children to have sports access, regardless of their gender identity. She indicated that focusing on trans issues overlooks other concerns such as poor facilities.
Cunningham has maintained that her position is not driven by hate. “I extend love, but with honesty,” Cunningham stated, emphasizing protection for young girls in sports.
The WNBA engaged team leaders in discussions on this debate. Although no transgender women currently play in the league, the WNBA prioritizes fairness and inclusion.
Minnesota concluded the regular season with a leading 33-11 record after their recent win. Indiana entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.