Megan Rapinoe Defends Transgender Athletes as Debate Over Fairness in Women's Sport Continues
The former USWNT captain told W. Kamau Bell that sport has never been fair and that trans athletes face real barriers to compete.
Former United States football star Megan Rapinoe has renewed her support for transgender women competing in sport, questioning arguments about fairness and insisting that athletes' human rights must be part of the conversation.
The openly gay former US captain, who retired from professional football in 2023, discussed the issue during an extended conversation with comedian and broadcaster W. Kamau Bell on his Who's With Me? podcast, released on 21 October 2026.
Her remarks have attracted renewed attention as sporting organisations continue to debate eligibility rules for transgender athletes, particularly in women's competitions.
What Did Megan Rapinoe Say About Transgender Athletes?
During the interview, Bell asked Rapinoe why she was not concerned about transgender women participating in sport, particularly given her experience competing at the highest level.
Rapinoe challenged the suggestion that fairness in elite sport can be measured simply by comparing physical characteristics, pointing out that athletes already compete with different natural advantages.
She argued that physical differences have always existed in professional competition and questioned whether discussions about fairness were being applied consistently.
Bell also raised the example of basketball player Victor Wembanyama, whose exceptional height gives him physical advantages over many competitors.
Rapinoe questioned why some natural differences are accepted as part of competitive sport while transgender participation is treated differently. She also rejected the suggestion that someone could simply declare themselves a woman and immediately enter women's professional competitions, explaining that transgender athletes face a far more complicated process.
For Rapinoe, the discussion extends beyond sporting performance to whether transgender people should have opportunities to participate and compete.
Drawing on her own achievements at international level, she argued that athletes should not automatically be excluded because they might perform well.
Why Is Transgender Participation in Women's Sport Controversial?
The participation of transgender women in women's sport remains a contested issue, with governing bodies considering eligibility, competitive fairness, safety and inclusion.
Supporters of greater transgender inclusion argue that sport should provide opportunities for people to participate without discrimination, and that eligibility policies should reflect the evidence and circumstances of individual sports.
Those supporting stricter eligibility rules argue that physical characteristics associated with male puberty can provide lasting competitive advantages, particularly in certain elite competitions. They believe maintaining a protected female category is necessary for fairness and, in some sports, safety.
Different sporting organisations have adopted different approaches, meaning eligibility requirements vary depending on the competition and governing body.
In the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association changed its policy in February 2025 following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Under the revised rules, athletes assigned male at birth cannot compete on NCAA women's teams, although they may participate in team practices under specified conditions.
The policy represents a significant restriction compared with previous arrangements and illustrates how the debate has translated into sporting regulations.
Rapinoe's comments express her support for greater inclusion, but they do not determine the eligibility requirements applied by governing bodies.
Rapinoe's History of Speaking Out
Rapinoe has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ equality throughout her career, using her position as one of American football's best-known players to address discrimination and human rights.
She also became involved in protests against racial injustice in 2016, kneeling during the United States national anthem in solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Her conversation with Bell explored those experiences alongside her football career, sexuality and the personal consequences of public activism.
The podcast examines why Rapinoe has continued speaking publicly about social issues despite criticism, including her belief that professional athletes can use their platforms to challenge discrimination.
Her latest comments reflect a position she has maintained for several years rather than a newly announced campaign.
Where Can You Listen to Megan Rapinoe's Interview?
The full conversation, titled Megan Rapinoe on Sexuality, Soccer, and Showing Up, was released as episode 23 of Who's With Me? with W. Kamau Bell on 21 October 2026.
The interview runs for approximately 76 minutes and covers far more than transgender participation in sport, including Rapinoe's career, retirement, sexuality and activism.
Listeners can hear the complete discussion through the official podcast page.
