Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wears 'Trans Kids Belong' shirt during game against Indiana Fever
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt supporting transgender youth while coaching a game against the Indiana Fever, prompting discussion about the intersection of sports and social issues.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt reading "Trans Kids Belong" under her blazer during a game against the Indiana Fever at the Target Center on Sunday. Reeve had previously said she approaches the transgender-athlete debate from a stance of inclusion and emphasized the need to protect transgender children and ensure all kids have access to sports. The shirt was displayed as the Lynx faced Sophie Cunningham, who has recently expressed concerns about the participation of transgender women in women’s sports and locker rooms.
Cunningham clarified that she has not expressed hatred toward transgender people and that her comments focus on protecting opportunities for girls and women in certain competitive contexts. Reeve’s attire was interpreted by some observers as a direct response to Cunningham’s remarks.
The Lynx denied a credential request from a media outlet seeking to cover the game, citing procedural reasons. The denial sparked debate among reporters and fans about media access policies for WNBA games.
Both Reeve and the Lynx stated that the coach’s right to wear the shirt and the team's right to manage credentials are within their discretion, while acknowledging that the visible statement may generate questions related to the broader social debate.