United States Women’s National Team legend Megan Rapinoe has been a champion for LGBTQ rights for her entire career with the team, so it’s no real surprise that she’s standing up for transgender athletes after she has formally retired from the sport, as well.
This week, Megan Rapinoe clapped back at current USWNT player Korbin Albert after she was found to have reposted anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ content on social media. While Rapinoe did not call out Albert by name, it was very clear who she was referring to when she posted on her Instagram story this week.
“For people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs,’ I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone,” Rapinoe wrote according to Yahoo Sports.
“Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake [heck] up!
“Yours truly, #15.
“For all my trans homies enduring this horrific treatment day in and day out, I see you and hear you and I am WITH YOU.”
Obviously, the news that Rapinoe was strongly supporting the transgender community led to a lot of reactions on social media.
A kind, generous response.
More than what Albert deserves.#USWNT https://t.co/dCui59upH5— Footballer1992
(@Footballer19921) March 28, 2024
the way Rapinoe opens the conversation wide open every time when in regards to inclusivity is so special and rare, I'll stand for her any day https://t.co/zyep9EXLkZ
— laura (@laura7911) March 28, 2024
megan rapinoe is MY #15. soccer needs to be a safe space for all https://t.co/go7mUilN7y
— Gianna Seguine (@GiannaSeguine) March 28, 2024
My #15 forever.
Shame on you Albert. How do you think you’d already be so well known before today in the woso world if not for the work of a whole bunch of LGBTQ+ folks?
And to mock at the most famous #15 in the world who led that charge…F you! https://t.co/sKSLHGwlGr
— NR Haught
(@NRHaught) March 29, 2024
If you don't LOVE Megan Rapinoe, honestly you are a massive red flag to me https://t.co/sZgPIyoRM4
— Soph
Women athletes owe their careers and salaries to gay women! Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, Diana Taurasi, we could go on and on!
If you can’t respect all genders and sexualities then you should not get the privilege of being a woman athlete! https://t.co/9qXY6UPRYJ
— Momo Marie (@Momo__Marie) March 29, 2024
It’s obviously a pretty strong message from Rapinoe.
