Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Elliot Page & More Back Trans Youth In New ACLU Campaign
The “More Than a Game” campaign launches as the Supreme Court hears cases challenging state bans on transgender girls in school sports.
Featured image: ACLU
As the Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases that could affect transgender students nationwide, the American Civil Liberties Union has launched a new public awareness campaign urging support for trans youth and their right to participate fully in school life. The campaign, titled More Than a Game, debuted this week as the Court considers West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox, challenges to state laws that bar transgender girls from competing in school sports.
The campaign features a high-profile group of athletes, entertainers, and young people, including Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Elliot Page, Naomi Watts, WNBA player Brianna Turner, and Becky Pepper-Jackson, the lead plaintiff in one of the cases. The ads pair portraits and video spots with messaging that frames trans inclusion as a matter of civil rights rather than competitive advantage.
Related: Supreme Court Takes Up Transgender Sports Bans This Week In Landmark Cases
“This week the Supreme Court is set to consider a case that will have major implications for women’s sports, civil rights and the future of our country,” Rapinoe told Variety. “I am not going to be tricked into sacrificing hard fought civil rights protections because of anti-trans rhetoric. All women will be harmed if the Court rules against the young trans people at the center of these cases and I wanted to make unambiguously clear that I am on the side of equality and justice.”
Sue Bird, a longtime WNBA star and Rapinoe’s partner, connected the legal fight over trans participation in sports to broader attacks on women’s rights.
“The very same people attacking trans kids are working to undermine equal pay for women athletes, reproductive health care, and the promise of our civil rights laws,” Bird said. “I joined this campaign because I know how much it means for kids to get to play sports but also because I believe in exposing the lie that women are protected when we turn against each other. Today, tomorrow and every day, I am on the side of equality for all, including our trans siblings.”
The campaign’s 30-second video spot includes comedian Benito Skinner and Watts, who says, “It’s about freedom,” after Skinner notes, “Supporting trans youth isn’t just about sports.” Watts has spoken publicly about supporting her transgender daughter Kai, a 17-year-old model.
“This moment in our country’s history is a test of our willingness to stand up and speak out for the most vulnerable,” said Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project. “And while we will absolutely defend our rights and our humanity in the courts, we know that transgender people’s path out of this moment of crisis will also require a broad, diverse coalition leading change in our communities and our culture.”
