WNBPA reaffirms commitment to diversity as trans-athlete debate intensifies
The Women's National Basketball Players Association issued a statement emphasizing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion while urging action against hate and calling for continued dialogue on the trans-athlete issue in the league.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) released a statement on Friday affirming its support for diverse lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles and opinions amid growing debate over transgender athletes in the WNBA. The union said it embraces "justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion" and will continue to protect women’s sports while pursuing transformational change.
"Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns," the statement read.
The statement also urged fans and officials to report hateful or abusive behavior at games and online, and encouraged individuals to contact elected officials to strengthen Title IX protections.
The release follows comments by WNBA forward Sophie Cunningham, who said young girls should not have to compete against "biological men" in sports, and a social-media announcement by former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom that he intends to enter the WNBA draft after identifying as a woman. The WNBPA’s remarks come as the league and its players navigate heightened public scrutiny over the inclusion of transgender athletes.