Minnesota Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Voices Support for Transgender Community Amid Controversy

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve reiterated her support for the transgender community as rallies over trans athletes in women’s sports unfolded outside her team’s game. This marked the third occasion this season where opposing groups gathered during a game.

Reeve spoke out following a decisive 86-66 triumph over the Indiana Fever at the Target Center, highlighting the significance of standing by the transgender community. She described the discussions around transgender issues in sports as an attack on the entire community.

“I think that’s probably one of the more meaningful things that would mark the season for me,” Reeve stated. “It’s that the transgender community is one that deserves our support, and what is happening in the name of some issues of transgender in sports is really an attack on all transgender community. They don’t want transgender people to exist.”

Reeve had previously worn a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt during the team’s earlier home game against Indiana. The gesture came amid public support from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for excluding biological males from women’s and girls’ sports. Subsequently, rallies supporting both sides of the issue took place outside the Target Center.

The Aug. 2 game against the Fever saw Reeve and Cunningham engaging in conversation at midcourt. Despite their differing views, they recognized the importance of educating others on the platform they both held.

“The amount of communication from people who were affected by something as simple as wearing a T-shirt in support of them and helping them be seen—using the platform that we have in professional sports, it was a small gesture by me,” Reeve expressed. “It’s something I believe in, obviously, wholeheartedly.”

Reeve further elaborated that if her actions helped even one person feel differently about themselves, it would be worthwhile, as for the transgender community, acceptance can be a matter of life and death. Messages from parents of transgender kids indicated that her actions provided support and validation.

The debate over trans athletes in women’s sports prompted the WNBA to engage in discussions with team leaders. Although no transgender woman has participated in the league, the focus remains on fairness, competitive integrity, and inclusion.

Meanwhile, Minnesota concluded the regular season with an impressive 33-11 record, while Indiana entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.