Jennifer Sey was determined to support Sophie Cunningham at the upcoming game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, after witnessing the events surrounding the Seattle Storm match. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Sey explained that the rally supporting Cunningham in Seattle was significantly positive, noting supporters of women’s sports outnumbered those opposed 10 to one. This shift prompted her to attend the game in Minnesota.
Sey, a former U.S. national gymnastics champion and founder of XX-XY Athletics, is organizing a rally titled ‘Sophie Night’ outside Minnesota’s Target Center. This marks the third Fever road game with such a rally. Previous events in Seattle and Portland have spotlighted Cunningham’s stance on protecting women’s sports. The Minneapolis event is expected to attract a larger crowd due to the increased attention from previous rallies.
Cunningham has become a central figure in the ongoing national debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports. Her comments about protecting girls in locker rooms from ‘biological men’ have sparked controversy. The rally in Minnesota places the movement opposite Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, a major supporter of transgender inclusion in sports. Reeve criticized efforts to restrict transgender athletes, deeming them manufactured problems. Sey countered Reeve’s argument, stating women’s sports are fundamentally for women, and adding that without this division, the WNBA would not exist as it does today.
Sey recognized the WNBA’s decision not to punish Cunningham as progress, although not enough support has been shown for her stance. The league’s response to athletes voicing their opinions without immediate punishment marks a shift, as noted by Kim Jones, a co-founder of Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS).
Other prominent supporters like Stephanie Turner, Kaylie Ray, and Ainsley Erzen have shared experiences facing backlash for similar advocacy efforts. Turner made headlines in 2025 after refusing to fence a transgender opponent, leading to probation despite eventual policy changes. Turner and Ray have encountered harassment and threats for their involvement in the movement. Ray highlighted the shocking lack of support for teenagers during Seattle’s game incident.
Erzen reflected on the limited institutional support female athletes have received historically, noting recent actions only feel significant due to prior minimal support. She emphasized the absurdity of facing harassment just for acknowledging biological differences.
The movement is planning to expand its rallies beyond Minnesota, with interest in hosting future events in cities like Phoenix, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Sey is preparing for the Minneapolis game with a peaceful and supportive approach, aiming to unite attendees around the cause of protecting women’s sports.