SerpApi.Org
Sophie Cunningham has always made it clear that she doesn't mind being a controversial person. That was on full display in a lengthy interview she gave to ESPN's Hallie Grossman, and something that Cunningham herself referenced during the chat. And while there's a lot to pick apart and evaluate in the interview, Cunningham's comments about transgender girls and women in sports have picked up a lot of traction—and they should have.
Cunningham insisted she is "here to extend love," but almost in the same breath added that "love is truth, being honest." She then said, "And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Cunningham's comments, at best, indicate a true ignorance about the health and lives of transgender girls and women, and they also support an ideology that is considered transphobic by many allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They also show little understanding of the true nature of biology, an enormously complex science—even the question of what sex means biologically is confounding.
For example, the phrase "biological sex" may be a reference to reproductive organs, but could also be a reference to hormones or chromosomes, or perhaps secondary sex characteristics (physical aspects that tend to show up during puberty, but that have little impact on reproduction). When people say gender is a construct, this is the general idea they are circling—how we've conceptualized sex and gender is largely based on science that few of us really understand, and instead, we have constructed definitions and gender presentations that tend to fit pretty neatly within our own worldviews to try to make sense of something that is larger than ourselves.
So that brings us back to Cunningham. She can claim to love any community or group of people she wishes, but her actual words offer insight into how far that "love" really goes. Because, at worst, her comments could reflect a genuine bigotry against transgender people, even if it's a bigotry born of ignorance. The phrase "biological men" or "biological women" in this context is often used in a way that is derogatory and, frankly, mean—and Cunningham offered no clarification on what context she's learned the phrase, why she continues to use it, and how she uses it when she's not being interviewed by a major news organization.
Cunningham's comments go against the WNBA's "No Space For Hate" policy
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert insisted the WNBA is for everyone last year when she introduced the league's "No Space For Hate" policy.
"As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, we’re proud to launch ‘No Space for Hate’ — a league-wide initiative to better protect players, preserve the spirit of the game, and affirm the values of our league. We believe that basketball can be a unifying force — a place where people from all walks of life come together not just to watch a game, but to connect," Engelbert said at the time.
She added, "We want our arenas, and our social platforms filled with energy and fandom — not hate and vitriol. That means turning our values into action: strengthening digital and physical security, expanding access to mental health resources, and unifying our message across the league. It’s our responsibility to protect what makes this sport so special and ensure we continue to inspire the next generation of women’s basketball fans."
If it's true that the WNBA wants to unify everyone—and be a place where everyone can connect—then it's appropriate for fans and even members of the league to demand Cunningham be issued some kind of punishment for expressing views that directly contradict that ethos. Cunningham didn't share her thoughts in private, or even on social media—she shared them in an interview with ESPN about being in the WNBA. She shared them as a representative of the league, and of what the league stands for. At the very least, this presents an opportunity for Cunningham to take time, reflect, and apologize—or be prepared to continue to receive ire from the communities she's hurting.
- Underrated two-way veteran is mercilessly exposing All-Star snub
- Azzi Fudd has turned Wings' most questioned decision into easy win
- Dream could solve dangerous rotation problem with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton trade
- Azzi Fudd will get a shot at making a loud statement this weekend
This article was originally published on highposthoops.com as Sophie Cunningham's trans comments violate the W's 'No Space for Hate' policy.
