Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and current podcast host, recently appeared on Fox & Friends to voice her concerns regarding the Democratic pushback against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. During the segment, Gaines described the criticism from the left as a "theatrical performance," highlighting her belief that the proposed legislation is crucial for maintaining fair competition in women’s sports.
The discussion comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, a topic that has sparked significant debate across the country. Gaines has been a vocal advocate for protecting women’s sports from what she perceives as unfair competition from biological males, arguing that such inclusion undermines the efforts and achievements of female athletes.
In a related event, XX-XY Athletics, a sports brand founded by former Levi’s executive Jennifer Sey, gained viral attention for an advertisement featuring Gaines and University of Nevada volleyball player Sia Liilii. The ad, titled "Real Girls Rock," showcases female athletes training while countering criticisms labeling Gaines and Liilii as "transphobic." Sey expressed her frustration over the lack of support for women’s sports from established brands, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift to promote women’s rights in athletics.
The advertisement received widespread attention, amassing over six million views shortly after its release. Notably, it caught the eye of author J.K. Rowling, who praised the ad and shared it with her millions of followers on social media. Rowling’s endorsement highlighted the growing support for initiatives that advocate for women’s rights, particularly in the context of sports.
Liilii, reflecting on the significance of the ad, stated that it illustrates the hard work and dedication female athletes put into their training, which can be jeopardized by the inclusion of male competitors. She emphasized that women deserve a fair playing field, free from the challenges posed by biological males, and that their voices need to be heard in this ongoing debate.
Sey’s company, launched in 2024, aims to challenge recent changes to Title IX regulations under the Biden administration that impact women’s sports. Sey believes that by producing impactful content and advertisements, her brand can contribute to a broader cultural movement advocating for women’s rights and fair competition.
As the conversation surrounding gender and sports continues to evolve, the actions of Gaines, Liilii, and Sey reflect a growing push from female athletes and advocates to ensure that women’s sports remain a space for biological females, emphasizing the importance of fair competition and equal opportunity in athletics.