Women’s sports media outlet backs trans athletes, then avoids questions from reporter who disagrees

'Outkick' host Dan Dakich joins host Jon Scott to discuss the growing fan support for Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham. Dakich praises Cunningham for her courage to speak out on protecting women's sports. The discussion comes as crowds gather outside WNBA arenas holding signs of support, bringing the ongoing national debate surrounding transgender athletes in female divisions directly to the hardwood.

A women-focused sports media company with one million newsletter subscribers has an explicit position on transgender athletes: athletes should be allowed to compete based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex.

The company is The GIST, co-founded by Ellen Hyslop, and it doesn't hide where it stands.

"At The GIST, we believe trans women are women and that trans athletes have the right to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity," the outlet wrote Tuesday.

WNBPA ISSUES STATEMENT EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AMID TRANS ATHLETE DEBATE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS

Also on Tuesday, Hyslop and co-host Steph Rotz devoted an episode of their podcast to the WNBA's ongoing debate over transgender athletes. The hosts made clear they think the political and cultural controversies surrounding the league are worthy of media attention, even as some fans would prefer everyone just talk about basketball.

Women-focused sports media site attacked Sophie Cunningham for daring to speak up for women in sports. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Rotz argued that women's sports provide an opportunity to have "critical conversations," and Hyslop repeatedly agreed that what's happening off the court deserves attention, too.

So, when a public relations representative reached out to me Tuesday afternoon and offered