Conservatives took to social media on Tuesday offering to pay girls never to tee off with trans athlete Hailey Davidson in response to backlash involving the athlete.
In recent years, conversations about transgender athletes have risen, with many conservatives contending that the presence of trans women in all-female leagues gives them an unfair advantage over cisgender girls and women. Former Division I collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines has spoken out against transgender athletes being included in children’s activities.
Scottish trans athlete Davidson recently won the NXXT Women’s Classic at Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. In the three-round competition, which ended on January 17, Davidson competed in the elite event and defeated 24 opponents. Davidson posted on her Instagram that she has faced criticism since her triumph.
Davidson wrote on Saturday, “It’s always interesting how nobody gets angry until there is some sort of victory.” “Especially when it is based on misinformation, I will never let hate win.”
Republicans offered to pay girls never to tee off with transgender athlete Hailey Davidson on January 23, 2024, in response to backlash against the athlete. Riley Gaines, a former college sprinter, testified before the House Oversight Committee on Health Care and Financial Services reading on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2023.
Concerns about Davidson and other transgender athletes on social media on Tuesday prompted Gaines, along with other conservative activists, to call for a boycott of the athlete.
Gaines offered to cover “any expenses” for women who didn’t get along with Davidson in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He also mentioned that Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon has agreed to participate while urging others to do the same.
“I will privately pay any bills, endorsements, and/or prize money lost if the girls competing against female golfer Hailey Davidson don’t tee off.” @SethDillon and many others, I imagine, have agreed to contribute. Gaines argued that we must stop participating in the general comedy.
Since then, the blog has prompted calls from other conservatives to follow suit.
Morris noted the level of support she is receiving in an email to Newsweek, stating that “hundreds of folks” and businesses are prepared to provide financial support for the ban.
Morris, an ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum and the host of the podcast OutKick for Ladies, said, “I know a ban is easier said than done. You work so hard, and you have partners to please.” I’ve received private messages from hundreds of people, companies, and other organizations saying they’d also assist with money and endorsement deals since I said I would support a boycott among female golfers. The passive majority is speaking up.
Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host, added to Gaines’ post by stating on X, “Same.”
“Megyn Kelly and Clay Travis have joined us in pledging to substitute people who refuse to compete against transgender people,” Dillon said on X. “This move on!”
Travis, a poet, attorney, and radio host, joined in on the conversation and said, “This is an excellent idea. I’m also in.”
Athlete Ally, which seeks to stop homophobia and transphobia in sports, is one of the organizations continuing to work toward creating an inclusive culture in the sports circle as more calls for bans and boycotts are being seen. This is true despite debates about trans athletes.
Athlete Ally praised Davidson for adhering to the law and urged those worried about children’s activities to fight for equal pay and put an end to sexual abuse in a statement sent to Newsweek.
According to Joanna Hoffman, director of communications at Athlete Ally, “Hailey has adhered to the guidelines set by the Women’s Pro Tour. Like all athletes, she puts a lot of effort into her game. She occasionally wins and occasionally loses. She certainly, like everyone else, does not deserve to be threatened with violence just for being who she is and playing the sport she loves.”
“At the highest level of sport and in considerable research, authorities have emphasized that transgender athletes are significantly underrepresented in sport, that it does not give someone an inherent advantage, and that diversity and non-discrimination should be the foundation of any game plan.”
“Instead of focusing on people who are just living their lives as they are, we urge those who care about the dignity of children’s activities to join the fight for equal pay and an end to rampant sexual abuse.”
