Cheryl Reeve wore a ‘Trans Kids Belong’ shirt when the Minnesota Lynx faced the Indiana Fever earlier this month. The Lynx head coach has called for greater inclusion in the WNBA and expressed her support for trans athletes.
Reeve spoke further on the topic at a press conference before the game against the Golden State Valkyries. However, this led to major pushback from some in the WNBA world.
WNBA World Criticizes Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve Over Trans-Athletes Comments
During a press conference, Reeve lamented the polarizing debate surrounding this issue and called on people to “educate themselves further” rather than attempt to “marginalize a community.”
“I don’t want to give them any more oxygen than they deserve. Transgender kids belong. And I think, as we’re seeing sort of politically, in this country, they’ve found a talking point that people are buying into, and the only thing I ask is that people educate themselves further on these issues and what we’re capable of doing. And that something is not used just as rhetoric to marginalize a community,” Reeve said.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve re-addressed the topic of trans athletes in women’s sports as a rally in support of protecting women’s sports is set to take place outside of the Chase Center before tonight’s Valkyries game.
“I have said this before, trans kids belong. And I think, as… pic.twitter.com/OHmmlS5VjV
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 20, 2026
However, some in the WNBA world were left fuming at Reeve’s take on this matter. They took to social media to voice their frustrations.
One user wrote, “It’s really wild to me how stupid some people are. If you were born a man, you’ll always be a man. If you were born a woman you will always be a woman. What is so hard about that?!”
It’s really wild to me how stupid some people are. If you were born a man, you’ll always be a man. If you were born a woman you will always be a woman. What is so hard about that?!
— Patrick (@SirPatrick43) August 20, 2026
Another called out Reeve for displaying “dishonest cult behavior.”
Dishonest cult behavior.
— The Intl. Hick of Mystery (@ChuckHosea) August 20, 2026
“Seriously how can anyone listen to that [expletive]?” questioned another user.
One user lambasted the “players and coaches and owners” for their opinions on this divisive issue, writing, “Then let everyone declaring themselves women play in the WNBA. That seems to be what most of the players and coaches and owners want. But have they asked the people who pay their bills, the NBA, what they think?”
A political science graduate responded to Reeve’s ‘protect trans kids’ statement. They wrote, “No one is banning kids from society. We are simply saying boys and men don’t belong in girls and women’s sports.”
No one is banning kids from society. We are simply saying boys and men don’t belong in girls and women’s sports.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) August 20, 2026
One user went back to insulting Reeve, saying, “What does Cheryl mean, ‘People are buying into it?’ It’s basic biology. She belongs in a mental institution.”
Another said, “Notice how her response is really just generic drivel. ‘Trans kids belong. Educate themselves. Political talking point.’ all while acting as if she’s passionate about a topic that she heard about 10 minutes ago.”
Meanwhile, Reeve and the Lynx continued their dominant run on Wednesday, claiming a 77-66 win over the Valkyries. With a 30-7 overall record, Minnesota looks primed for a deep playoff run this season.
