Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, expressed support for the transgender community again, amid rallies regarding trans athletes in women’s sports. After the Lynx defeated the Indiana Fever 86-66 at the Target Center, Reeve shared her perspective on the ongoing issue. This was at least the fourth time this season she addressed transgender issues in a WNBA media session.
“I think that’s probably one of the more meaningful things that would mark the season for me. It’s that the transgender community is one that deserves our support, and what is happening in the name of some issues of transgender in sports — it’s really an attack on all transgender community. They don’t want transgender people to exist.” – Cheryl Reeve
Earlier this season, Reeve wore a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt during a home game against Indiana on August 2. This came after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly endorsed keeping biological males out of women’s and girls’ sports. Protests and counterprotests have become a recurring element outside Lynx games, with rallies supporting both sides of the debate.
During the August 2 game, Reeve and Cunningham had a discussion at midcourt. Reeve later explained they both recognized that their platforms could influence and educate people, even as they disagreed.
Reeve described wearing the shirt as a “small gesture,” but it resonated deeply with transgender people and their families. Her actions reinforced her belief in supporting the transgender community, emphasizing that, for many, this issue is about life and death. She shared that many parents of transgender kids expressed gratitude for her visible support.
“If I could have helped just one to feel differently about themselves, because for the transgender community this really is about life and death for them.” – Cheryl Reeve
Reeve first raised the issue in July after the Supreme Court upheld state laws restricting transgender participation in sports. She criticized the political focus on this issue, describing it as “sort of sickening” and argued against exclusion.
While supporting the rights of all kids to participate in sports, Reeve acknowledged that eligibility questions become complex after puberty. She also pointed out that focusing solely on transgender participation ignores other challenges female athletes face, such as inadequate facilities and resources.
Cunningham has defended her stance by emphasizing love and honesty, expressing concerns over the participation of biological males in women’s sports. This debate has led to the WNBA initiating discussions with team leaders, although there are currently no immediate eligibility issues in the league. The WNBA continues to prioritize fairness, competitive integrity, and inclusion.
Minnesota concluded the regular season with a league-best 33-11 record, while Indiana entered the playoffs as the sixth seed. The conversation around trans athletes and women’s sports remains a significant cultural issue within the sporting community.