Sophie Cunningham, one of the most talented players in the WNBA, has repeatedly defied the odds to become a superstar in a sport where diversity, equity, and inclusion are still a work in progress. Her success is a testament to the value of these principles.
Cunningham made headlines by using her platform to speak out against allowing transgender athletes to compete against biological girls, telling ESPN that she wants to protect young girls in sports. She clarified that her stance is not about hatred, but about honesty and love.
Politics and Sports
Cunningham's view is shared by nearly 80 percent of the American public, but the WNBA players' union has issued a statement describing transgender people's participation in sports as a matter of human rights. The WNBA All-Star game will raise money for Girls in the Game, a charity that welcomes gender-expansive participants.
Cunningham was not invited to participate in the upcoming WNBA 3-Point Contest, a move some have denounced as structural racism and mean-girl pettiness. Despite this, Cunningham remains determined to excel on and off the court, saying she doesn't care about the attention or jealousy that comes with it.