Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports continues to draw attention well beyond the WNBA.
Following the Indiana Fever’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Cunningham posed for photos with former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, a moment that quickly spread across social media.
The viral images soon reached Capitol Hill, prompting U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller to weigh in with a brief but noticeable reaction.
Congressman Clay Fuller Reacts to Sophie Cunningham, Riley Gaines Trans Athlete Stance
Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes continues to generate strong reactions across the country, and her list of public supporters keeps growing.
Gaines has been one of Cunningham’s most vocal backers. After the Fever guard reaffirmed her position on trans athletes competing in women’s sports last month, Gaines praised Cunningham for standing by her beliefs and encouraged tennis star Coco Gauff and others to do the same.
The two finally met in person on Sunday following Indiana’s 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Despite being booed throughout the game whenever she touched the ball, Cunningham also received visible support from fans who shared her views. She and Gaines posed together for photos, an interaction that quickly gained attention on social media.
Among those who reacted was Fuller.
“Patriots,” the representative from Georgia’s 14th Congressional District posted.
Patriots 🇺🇸 https://t.co/zWuG03KSp0
— Rep. Clay Fuller (@RepClayFuller) August 2, 2026
The photo that Fuller reacted to featured Gaines writing a message:
“Little girls belong!”
Many interpreted the caption as a response to Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who wore a shirt reading, “Trans kids belong.”
Gaines also revealed that arena staff allegedly asked her to put away her “Sophie, Thank You” sign, while supporters of transgender athletes were allowed to display their own messages.
Fuller and Gaines are the latest public figures to rally behind Cunningham, who has faced significant criticism since speaking out on the issue. The former Phoenix Mercury guard has repeatedly said her position is not politically motivated, maintaining that her concern centers on protecting women’s sports.
Her comments have sparked demonstrations at multiple Fever games, with supporters and critics gathering outside arenas.
The protests began during Indiana’s visit to Seattle, where Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton allegedly confronted two young girls participating in a rally supporting Cunningham. According to reports, one of the girls was left in tears after Keaton used profanity during the exchange.
In the aftermath, Storm’s majority owner, Ginny Gilder, publicly apologized, while the WNBA suspended Keaton for five home games.
The debate has continued to follow Cunningham on the road. During games against the Portland Fire and the Lynx, she remained one of the league’s most polarizing figures.
While criticism has persisted, so has public support, which was highlighted by Sunday’s postgame moment with Gaines and Fuller’s endorsement.
