The participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports remains a contentious issue. Former professional gymnast Jennifer Sey has been a vocal advocate against the inclusion of athletes assigned male at birth in women’s sports. One of her initiatives to support this cause is the XX-XY Athletics sports clothing brand.
While every other athletic brand remains silent, we’re unapologetic in our defense of women’s sports and single sex spaces. Men & women are different – right down to their XX & XY chromosomes. So, join us & wear your XX-XY Athletics gear with pride. Visit https://t.co/LJpHWjGL0h pic.twitter.com/WO2933XnLW
— XX-XY Athletics (@xx_xyathletics) March 25, 2024
The company’s slogan boldly declares, “Introducing the only athletic brand that stands up for women’s sports. It’s about truth, fairness, safety & equality,” accompanied by the hashtag “the truth fits.”
The brand’s mission is to emphasize the importance of biological sex in sports performance. They argue that inherent differences between men and women, such as XY chromosomes and higher testosterone levels in men, contribute to greater strength and speed. The brand asserts that allowing individuals assigned male at birth (XY) to compete in women’s sports (XX chromosomes) is unfair and potentially dangerous.
XX-XY Athletics has appointed several anti-transgender figures as ambassadors, including college swimmers Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan, as well as detransitioner Chloe Cole. Gaines, in particular, made headlines last year for her criticism of Nike’s sports bra ad featuring a transgender individual and argued that Nike was sending a message that men can do everything better.
“I looked around at all the athletic brands in the marketplace, and they make much ado about celebrating women, but not one has said, ‘We need to protect women’s sports,'” explained Jennifer Sey, the former Levi’s global brand president, in an interview with Forbes.
“Not a single brand is doing it. We are going to make world-class, best-in-class athletic apparel for women and men. And we’re staking a claim around protecting women’s sports. We believe it will resonate with men as well who are invested in protecting their daughters.”
Prices for the brand’s products are comparable to other premium brands, with T-shirts priced around $40 and leggings around $100. The T-shirts feature messages like “Free to think. Free to speak. Free to move,” “Born brave,” “Just Sey It,” and more.
Is this a paid post?
No. I disclose paid posts as such. I just came across the information and thought it was interesting to share.
It will be interesting if/when/which WTA players start wearing the brand and/or speak up about this issue…!