US Superstar Megan Rapinoe Claims Sports Have Become 'Another Avenue To Attack' Trans Rights

US superstar Megan Rapinoe has insisted that sports have been used as "another avenue to attack" trans rights.

The 35-year-old Reign captain recently appeared at the White House as she continued her rallying call for equal pay in football.

But Rapinoe has now spoken out on the controversy surrounding transgender youth's involvement in sports, saying that "being able to play sports as a child shaped my life's path."

The 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or winner wrote for The Washington Post: "It taught me so much more than is seen on the field and brought me so much joy. Every child deserves to have that experience.

"That's why I believe that all kids, including transgender youth, should be able to participate in sports they love."

PA

PA

Rapinoe also voiced her criticism of US lawmakers in over 25 states who have introduced laws that would ban transgender youth from taking part in sports teams that match their gender identity.

The US international expressed her concerns with the 'Mississippi Fairness Act,' which was recently signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves.

The stringent legislation means that schools would be required to have teams based on genders that were assigned at birth.

And it would cause even more woes for transgender athletes as it would prevent them from playing for a team that matches their gender identity.

According to NBC News, the law is expected to come into force from 1st July.

However, it is expected that the law will face legal challenges.

Rapinoe staunchly argued that bills like the Mississippi Fairness Act are "some of the most intense political assaults on LGBTQ people in recent years."

The two-time World Cup winner added: "Sports have become another avenue to attack the rights of trans people. These efforts cause incredible harm to trans youth."

Rapinoe has spoken out on the women's team's battle with US Soccer over equal pay, saying that she pulls on "this shirt for equal pay and for the fans and for kids who want to be in my position."

However, former US women's national team 'keeper Hope Solo has hit out at Rapinoe by claiming she turned down an equal pay opportunity in 2016.

Topics: NWSL, Football, National Women's Soccer League, USA, Megan Rapinoe, US

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

@AdnanRiaz9