Jennifer Sey, an author and former Levi's Brand President, advocates fiercely for women's sports. She shares her emotional experience at the White House during Trump's executive order on gender in athletics, and critiques the new NCAA policy she believes is ineffective. Sey highlights the 'Real Girls Rock' campaign, celebrating resilient female athletes, and discusses the silence around critical issues in women's sports. Additionally, she addresses the need for cultural change and more diverse educational pathways for the next generation.
Jennifer Sey highlights the limitations of President Trump's executive order on women's sports, emphasizing ongoing advocacy is crucial for real change.
The NCAA's new policies are criticized for lacking accountability and potentially compromising the integrity of women's sports through lenient eligibility verification.
Sey's establishment of XXXY Athletics aims to advocate for biological differences in sports while providing high-quality athletic apparel, challenging major sportswear brands.
Deep dives
Executive Order on Women's Sports
An executive order was signed by President Trump to prohibit men from participating in women's sports at federally funded institutions. Although this was seen as a significant victory by many, the limitations of the order are noteworthy, as it does not extend to non-federally funded sports, which represent a vast majority of competitions. Jennifer Say emphasizes the need for continuous advocacy, asserting that the fight for fairness in women's sports is far from over. She encourages people to recognize that this is merely a starting point, not a conclusive solution.
NCAA's Non-Adherence to Protections
The NCAA's response to the executive order has been called into question, as their newly published rules appear to lack genuine accountability for safeguarding women's sports. Their reliance on birth certificates as proof of eligibility raises concerns, especially since 25 states allow individuals to alter their birth records without providing substantial evidence of gender transition. Say argues that this creates an unfair advantage and undermines the integrity of women's sports. The NCAA's approach is viewed as an attempt to placate both sides of the debate without enacting real change.
Cultural and Media Dichotomies
Say critiques the cultural narratives pushed by media outlets, which often frame the discussion on women's sports as an issue of inclusivity rather than fairness. She points out that a significant majority of the American population agrees that women's sports should be exclusive to individuals born female. The prevailing media narrative tends to mischaracterize those advocating for the integrity of women's sports as bigoted or transphobic. In actuality, many supporters of women's rights oppose growing claims that gender ideology should dictate athletic competition.
The Launch of XXXY Athletics
Say's decision to establish XXXY Athletics stems from her commitment to advocate for women in sports while intruding into the realm of sportswear. She aims to create a brand that celebrates biological differences while providing high-quality athletic apparel. The brand rapidly developed its identity and message, focusing on both men and women's participation in athletics and emphasizing the significance of truth regarding biological sex. Say envisions XXXY Athletics not merely as a trendy startup but as a lasting competitor against major sportswear brands.
The Importance of Public Advocacy
Throughout the podcast, Say reiterates the importance of rallying public support for women's rights in sports. She contends that individuals, especially those in elite sports, have a responsibility to voice their opposition to unfair practices regarding competition. Say shares her experience with the backlash faced by athletes who stand up for women’s sports, highlighting the fear of social ostracism. She expresses enthusiasm about the younger generation, who exhibit remarkable courage and a willingness to challenge the status quo in the realm of sports and beyond.
Jennifer Sey is an author, former Levi’s Brand President and founder/CEO of XX-XY Athletics. She talks being at the White House to witness President Trump sign the executive order keeping men out of women’s sports, how the new NCAA policy will not stop this, their recent ad spot REAL GIRLS ROCK, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!