Megan Rapinoe ‘100 per cent’ supportive of transgender inclusion in women’s sport

US football icon Megan Rapinoe has stressed she is “100 per cent supportive” of trans inclusion in women’s sport. 

The 36-year-old, who is known for her activism regarding LGBTQ+ issues, has been a consistent advocate for trans rights. 

Rapinoe has suggested that those debating the matter are looking at it the wrong way and has labelled those who oppose trans people’s participation in women’s sport as “relentless”. 

Her comments come after trans cyclist Emily Bridges revealed she’d received physical threats since UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said trans women should not be allowed to compete in women’s sport. 

Speaking to TIME magazine, Rapinoe said: “I’m 100 per cent supportive of trans inclusion. People do not know very much about it. We’re missing almost everything.

“Frankly, I think what a lot of people know is versions of the right’s talking points because they’re very loud. They’re very consistent, and they’re relentless.

The USWNT star also emphasised the need for regulation but refuted claims that trans women are dominating in women’s sport. 

“At the highest level, there is regulation. In collegiate sports, there is regulation. And at the Olympic and professional level. It’s not like it’s a free-for-all,  where everyone’s just doing whatever.

“Show me the evidence that trans women are taking everyone’s scholarships, [and] are dominating in every sport [and] are winning every title. I’m sorry, it’s just not happening.

“So we need to start from inclusion, period. And as things arise, I have confidence that we can figure it out. But we can’t start [doing] the opposite. That is cruel. And frankly, it’s just disgusting.

“So, we need to really kind of take a step back and get a grip on what we’re really talking about