The movement opposing transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports has garnered significant backing from a majority of Americans, influential politicians, and even a specific consumer market. Now, a prominent figure in this movement is seeking high-profile support. Former NCAA swimmer and conservative advocate Riley Gaines has been a leading voice in this cause, particularly following her notable tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships. In 2024, Gaines became the inaugural brand ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, an activist sportswear brand that has gained recognition and profitability by focusing on activism against transgender inclusion in women’s sports. The brand has also incentivized women’s college athletes nationwide to take a stand on this issue by partnering with them.
Gaines believes that two prominent athletes could significantly elevate the brand and the movement. “I think critical figures in this movement would include Caitlin Clark and possibly Simone Biles, which may seem ambitious, but these are women who have broken barriers and serve as role models for young girls across the country,” Gaines stated in an exclusive interview. She expressed that if these athletes were to assert that transgender athletes do not belong in women’s sports, it could swiftly resolve the issue at all levels. Gaines noted that a cultural shift among Americans to protect women and girls from transgender athletes makes this possibility more attainable.
Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY and a former U.S. gymnast, responded to Gaines’ appeal for Clark and Biles, stating, “We always encourage more female athletes to join the fight. We would love to collaborate with anyone advocating for the integrity of women’s sports. We are in ongoing discussions with those who have either taken a stand or are contemplating doing so.” Sey previously mentioned that her brand achieved over seven figures in profit within its first ten months in 2024, yet she feels the brand still lacks a superstar female athlete as a brand ambassador. “Currently, there are no top-tier competitive female athletes or coaches who have publicly supported the protection of women’s sports,” Sey remarked. “This highlights the distance we still have to cover. It should be standard for them to assert, ‘I will fight for the protection of women’s sports.’
