US Women’s Soccer Icon megan rapinoe She has been a public advocate for the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, and ahead of what will be her last World Cup appearance before retiring, the lone Golden Boot winner said she would «absolutely» support having a trans woman on the USWNT list.
Even if it meant replacing a biological woman.
United States number 15 Megan Rapinoe poses during a post-match ceremony following an international friendly against Wales at PayPal Park on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
In an interview with Time published Monday, Rapinoe recalled the highlights of her long career, including her battles both on and off the court. She was specifically asked about her drive to advocate for the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
SOCCER ICON MEGAN RAPINOE SAYS SHE WILL RETIRE AT END OF SEASON: ‘I FEEL INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL’
“We as a country are trying to legislate the full humanity of the people,” he told the outlet.
Rapinoe was one of 40 professional athletes to co-sign a letter to House lawmakers in April in opposition to the Protection of Girls and Women in Sport Act, arguing that the bill would exclude women and girls from obtaining «mental and physical health benefits».
“It’s particularly frustrating when women’s sports are weaponized,” Rapinoe said in the interview. «Oh, now we care about equality? Now we care about women’s sports? That’s total nonsense —. And show me all the trans people who are nefariously taking advantage of being trans in sports. Just don’t it’s happening».
US No.15 Megan Rapinoe listens to the national anthem during an international friendly match between Wales and USWNT at PayPal Park on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Rapinoe was specifically asked if she would support a trans woman playing on the US Women’s National Team, even if it meant replacing a biological woman. The OL Reign star said she would, but she added that she didn’t see the act as «taking the place of a ‘real’ woman.»
«Absolutely,» he told Time. «‘You’re taking the place of a ‘real’ woman, that’s the part of the plot that’s still extremely transphobic. I see trans women as real women. What you automatically say in the plot, you’re telling.» You’ve already told yourself, you don’t believe these people are women. Therefore, they are taking the other place. I don’t feel that way.»
Rapinoe will make her final World Cup appearance this month as the head of the US Women’s National Team. to Australia and New Zealand hoping to make history: becoming the first men’s or women’s team to win a treble.
Megan Rapinoe, #15 from USA, celebrates during an international friendly match between Wales and USWNT at PayPal Park on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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The 38-year-old soccer star announced over the weekend her plans to retire at the end of the 2023 season from the Women’s National Soccer League.
«I’m really grateful to be able to do it this way,» she said at a news conference over the weekend. «I understand that it’s incredibly rare that athletes of any stature can go out their way, on their own terms, at any time they want, in a way that feels really peaceful and calm to them.»
A olympic gold medalist and a two-time World Cup champion, Rapinoe will compete in her fourth and final World Cup beginning July 20.
Associated Press contributed to this report.