Cheryl Reeve delivered a bold statement by wearing a ‘trans kids belong’ shirt during the Minnesota Lynx’s game against the Indiana Fever on Sunday.
The move came amid a backdrop of protests and controversy surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports, sparked by Sophie Cunningham’s comments on the issue.
WNBA World Reacts As Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve Wears ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt vs the Fever
Cunningham sparked controversy by claiming last month that trans athletes should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Reeve called for “inclusion” in response ahead of the Lynx-Fever game, and followed that up by sporting a shirt that read ‘trans kids belong.’
The bold statement drew a range of reactions across the WNBA world, with some criticizing the Lynx head coach while others lauded her for supporting the cause.
“Cheryl Reeve wearing a trans kids belong t-shirt THATS MY GOAT,” wrote one fan.
cheryl reeve wearing a trans kids belong tshirt THATS MY GOAT
— hayden (@spideymasc) August 2, 2026
Another hailed Reeve for holding firm to her beliefs amid the external noise and pressure surrounding the issue.
“Cheryl Reeve wearing a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt right in Sophie Cunningham’s face. Love it,” wrote another.
Cheryl Reeve wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt right in Sophie Cunningham’s face. Love it.
— John Amichetti Jr. (@JohnAmichettiJr) August 2, 2026
Another hailed Reeve for her bold action during the Lynx-Fever game.
“Cheryl Reeve with a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt and the Minnesota crowd booing Sophie Cunningham; Lynx y’all got a fan in me,” they wrote.
Cheryl Reeve with a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt and the Minnesota crowd booing Sophie Cunningham; Lynx yall got a fan in me ❤️
— laurent (@laurentftw) August 2, 2026
However, not everyone was supportive of Reeve’s stance.
“What an embarrassment to WOMEN’S sports – these ppl are truly IGNORANT,” wrote one user.
@minnesotalynx what an embarrassment to WOMEN’S sports – these ppl are truly IGNORANT https://t.co/EeqZA6lB4w
— LisaKingWheless💪🏻🅰️🐘🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸 (@Lisapcb) August 2, 2026
Another claimed that Reeve’s stance was the latest example of the WNBA doing its best to undermine its own success.
“The WNBA is doing its best to sabotage itself,” they wrote.
The @WNBA is doing its best to sabotage itself. https://t.co/B4Z62IsUbe
— Jason (@EmperorJayLay7) August 2, 2026
One called out the irony in Reeve claiming that this wasn’t a big issue before turning around and wearing a t-shirt in support of the cause.
“A day or two ago, Cheryl was saying this wasn’t a big issue. Now she’s wearing a t-shirt about it,” they wrote.
A day or two ago, Cheryl was saying this wasn’t a big issue. Now she’s wearing a t-shirt about it https://t.co/gfoPrzIIM3
— Ingenuous Firebrand 🐆🇺🇸 (@ING2Firebrand) August 2, 2026
Cunningham fans organized a rally outside Target Center ahead of Sunday’s game, continuing to lend their support to the Fever star. Fans also held rallies in Seattle and Portland earlier this week as they protested against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports.
Ahead of the rally, Cunningham hailed her fans as “courageous” and “bold” as she thanked them for speaking their truth and protesting for the cause.
