Cheryl Reeve Addresses Variations With Sophie Cunningham Over Trans Athlete Debate

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve addressed the general public disagreement surrounding Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham after their groups confronted one another, saying either side can use their platforms to teach folks regardless of having totally different views.

Cheryl Reeve Says Respect Matters

The dialogue gained consideration after Reeve wore a shirt that learn “Trans Kids Belong” through the Lynx’s recreation in opposition to the Fever. The message got here after Cunningham’s public feedback about transgender athletes competing in ladies’s and women’ sports activities created debate throughout the WNBA and amongst followers.

Cunningham first shared her views in an ESPN profile and later repeated them throughout media appearances. Her feedback obtained each help and criticism, with rallies organized by supporters in a number of cities, together with Seattle, Portland, and Minnesota.

Before Sunday’s recreation, Reeve and Cunningham have been seen talking with one another at middle courtroom. According to the NY Post, Reeve later defined that the dialog confirmed that individuals can have totally different opinions whereas nonetheless speaking respectfully.

“I think it’s great. I think both of us understand that we have platforms and we both talked about more than anything wanting to educate,” Reeve mentioned. “There’s some things we have in common and maybe some things you differ on, just like any issues. I think it’s how you handle things.”

Cheryl Reeve Defends Support for Transgender

The Lynx coach had beforehand shared her help for transgender athletes and mentioned defending younger folks was necessary. She defined that she believes each baby ought to have entry to sports activities no matter gender identification, FoxNews reported.

“It is a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports,” Reeve mentioned.

Reeve additionally pushed again in opposition to what she described as dangerous narratives about transgender athletes, saying the dialogue ought to be based mostly on info fairly than assumptions.

During the sport, Cunningham continued to obtain blended reactions from followers. She was booed throughout Minnesota’s matchup, just like what occurred throughout a earlier recreation in Portland. Despite the criticism, Cunningham mentioned she would proceed being open about her beliefs.

“I’m here to play basketball, but I’m also here to be me,” Cunningham mentioned. “I’m not going to shadow that or hide or dim my light just because maybe people don’t agree with that.”