Supporters Rally for Sophie Cunningham in Seattle

Fans of Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham gathered outside her game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. The rally was held to celebrate Cunningham’s public support for women’s sports.

Supporters displayed signs with messages like “Thank you Sophie,” and her notable quotes “I said what I said,” and “with love is truth.” These quotes mirror her statements on the importance of supporting women’s sports.

Jean Chadbourne, a rally attendee, expressed to Fox News Digital, “We proved to the world that women can gather publicly and support female athletes.”

Attendees enjoyed taking photos with a life-size cutout of Cunningham. The sight included notable moments, such as Brandi Kruse posing with the cutout. In contrast, some counterprotesters were present, displaying LGBTQ flags and signs.

Romy Mancini, another participant, shared that the rally successfully outnumbered the counterprotesters and maintained a positive atmosphere. “Everyone wanted their picture taken with the giant Sophie poster,” Mancini mentioned to Fox News Digital.

The activism event was organized by Washington-based podcast host Brandi Kruse, Amy E. Sousa, and the group Women Are Real. It sparked significant debate on social media prior to the event.

Julie Lane, one of the organizers, revealed to Fox News Digital that online threats tried to deter them, but they remained undeterred and enjoyed their gathering. “It’s clear that the tide is turning,” Lane remarked. “I think Sophie really helped push this issue.”

Sophie Cunningham became a key figure in the discussion about trans athletes in women’s sports. She expressed her perspective to ESPN, causing wide reaction. Cunningham clarified, “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.'”

Speaking further, she explained, “I think that I am here to extend love. But with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

She reiterated her views before the Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun. “I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” she stated. Cunningham emphasized the importance of protecting children, particularly young girls in sports. “I extend love, and I don’t dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here.”

Her remarks gained support from figures like Riley Gaines, Jennifer Sey, several GOP lawmakers, and the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported Cunningham, saying, “Men should not be playing in women’s sports. It’s completely ludicrous that anyone could support that.” Leavitt remarked that the backlash against Cunningham from some quarters is surprising and out of touch with public opinion.

Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, covers critical political and cultural issues in sports. His reporting has been cited in legal discussions concerning Title IX and by major media outlets.