**Nike Faces Backlash Over Funding of Controversial Study on Transgender Athletes**
Meta Description: Jennifer Sey criticizes Nike for allegedly funding a study on puberty blockers and their impact on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
URL Slug: nike-funding-transgender-athlete-study
**Nike Faces Backlash Over Funding of Controversial Study on Transgender Athletes**
Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, has publicly criticized Nike for its alleged financial support of a study examining the effects of puberty blockers on children and their athletic performance. The research aims to determine the necessary medical interventions for male athletes to compete “fairly” in women’s sports. This controversy gained attention following a New York Times article discussing the experiences of Blaire Fleming, a transgender female volleyball player at San Jose State University, during the 2024-25 NCAA women’s volleyball season.
The article highlighted Joanna Harper, a transgender woman and researcher focused on transgender athletes, who is reportedly leading a significant study on trans adolescents. This study involves assessing their performance on a 10-step fitness test before and after they begin hormone therapy, with evaluations occurring every six months over five years. Harper noted that while funding for the study is not an issue—attributed to Nike—the current political climate poses challenges, particularly regarding medical care for transgender youth.
Sey expressed her strong disapproval of the study during an appearance on “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” questioning the rationale behind Nike’s involvement. She stated, “She’s trying to understand what they call ‘retained male advantage’ and is there little enough of it that these boys can pass for competing with girls. It’s so wrong on so many levels… Why is a shoe brand involved in this at all?”
Sey further emphasized the degrading implications of such research, comparing it to a hypothetical study that would explore how to physically alter boys to compete against girls in sports. She criticized Nike for incentivizing what she described as experimental medical treatments that could have lifelong consequences for young individuals.
Reflecting on the decision to fund this study, Sey speculated that it may have originated from within the organization without the awareness of senior executives. She suggested that the current backlash indicates a need for Nike to clarify its position on the matter.
As the debate continues, the implications of such studies on the future of women’s sports and the treatment of transgender athletes remain a contentious topic.
**FAQ**
**What is the controversy surrounding Nike’s funding of the study?**
The controversy centers on allegations that Nike is funding a study examining the effects of puberty blockers on transgender athletes, raising concerns about fairness in women’s sports and the ethical implications of medical interventions for young individuals.
