GOP senator supports Sophie Cunningham over transgender sports comments

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham received support Friday from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., after she doubled down on her recent comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a statement, Graham praised Cunningham for speaking out on the issue, calling her remarks ‘courageous’ and emphasizing the importance of ‘common sense.’

Graham, a self-described ‘volleyball mom,’ said she understands the concerns about boys participating in girls’ sports. She cited her experience traveling with her daughter’s volleyball team in South Carolina and the Southeast, including an incident involving a high school player injured after being struck by a transgender athlete’s hit.

Cunningham reaffirmed her position Wednesday after the Fever’s 123-88 win over the Connecticut Sun, saying she stands by her comments that keeping biological males out of women’s sports is a matter of ‘common sense.’ She emphasized her belief that protecting women’s sports aligns with the intent of Title IX and clarified her comments are not against transgender individuals.

“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham told reporters. “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”

The Fever issued a statement noting that Cunningham’s views are her own, emphasizing the team’s commitment to diversity and respect. “Our players are thoughtful adults with their own perspectives and voices, and those views are their own,” the team said.

The debate over transgender participation in girls’ and women’s sports continues to be a contentious issue, with recent political actions including an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in 2025 and ongoing legal challenges to state laws restricting transgender athletes’ participation.

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