Jennifer Sey: Trans athletes are totally ignoring Trump’s executive order
Apr 4, 2025
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Jennifer Sey, Founder and CEO of XXXY Athletics and author of "Levi's Unbuttoned," passionately discusses the complex issue of trans athletes competing in women's sports. She argues that despite Trump's executive order, many girls and women continue to face challenges. Sey sheds light on specific controversies at collegiate and high school levels, highlighting the divide between public perception and political action. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy and fairness in athletics, amidst ongoing debates and regulatory inconsistencies.
Despite Trump's executive order, there remains widespread noncompliance regarding trans athletes in women's sports, posing challenges for female competitors.
Polling data shows most Americans support designating women's sports solely for women, highlighting a disconnect between political leaders and public sentiment.
Deep dives
Milestone Reflection on Historical Events
The show marks its 200th episode by reflecting on a tumultuous period in American politics, starting shortly after significant events like the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the transition of power from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris. This time was characterized by chaos and uncertainty, with the team building their studio amidst breaking news. The hosts emphasize their commitment to engaging with groundbreaking moments in politics, from the Democratic National Convention to election night coverage, showcasing a commitment to staying at the center of critical events in Washington. Their journey has included interviewing a diverse range of guests across the political spectrum, aiming to challenge conventional perspectives on pressing issues.
Examining the Ongoing Debate on Gender in Sports
One of the central discussions revolves around the ongoing contentious issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports, sparked by Trump’s executive order. The discussion highlights various incidents where schools and organizations are reportedly defying federal directives, illustrating a widespread trend of disobedience across states like California and Minnesota. An example includes a high school volleyball coach who faced severe repercussions for opposing trans athlete participation, revealing the societal and institutional ramifications of these policies. Despite significant public support for women’s sports being preserved for women, many leaders seem reluctant to enforce changes that align with this majority view.
Political Implications and Cultural Conversations
The conversation extends to broader political implications, questioning whether the political leadership truly understands the public sentiment surrounding the participation of trans athletes in women's sports. An analysis of polling data indicates that a significant majority of Americans, including many Democrats, agree that women’s sports should be designated solely for women, yet fear of backlash prevents many from voicing their opinions. The discussion critiques Democratic leaders who continue to push progressive agendas without recognizing the shifting sentiments among their constituents, suggesting that this disconnect may lead to further electoral challenges. The hosts advocate for grassroots conversations to engage and empower individuals to speak up, indicating that these local discussions could foster meaningful change over time.
Jennifer Sey joins Emily to report on the ongoing participation of trans athletes in women’s sports around the country. Sey argues that despite Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at preventing this, girls and women are still being harmed.
