Riley Gaines speaks in Billings to advocate for women’s sports

All-America swimmer Riley Gaines spoke about preserving women’s sports during the Montana Family Foundation banquet at the Northern Hotel on Friday.

Last weekend, the University of Wyoming women’s volleyball team lost its game against San Jose State, reportedly because of a transgender player on the team.

“Well, I applaud the teams, the girls, their bravery, their bravery and their leadership because it takes tremendous courage to do what they did,” Gaines said.

A former student-athlete, Gaines has skipped dental school to advocate for only biological females competing in women’s and girls’ sports.

“My position is very, very pro-women,” Gaines said. “Again, no stance against anyone or anything.”

Some say transgender women should have a chance to play.

“This could be something that gives meaning to a life,” said Bailey Desper, a trans activist. “And to be denied that is really humiliating and sad to see.”

Desper is transgender and says transgender women have no physical advantage in women’s sports.

“I have been taking hormones since 2017 and have noticed both physical and external changes,” said Desper.

Gaines says transgender women actually have a physical advantage.

The Wyoming Athletics Department released a statement about the loss without mentioning the transgender athlete at San Jose State or mentioning any safety concerns:
“After a lengthy discussion, the University of Wyoming will not play its scheduled conference game against San Jose State University on Saturday, October 5, at the UniWyo Sports Complex. Per Mountain West Conference policy, the conference will record the game as a loss, a loss for Wyoming.

Two years ago, as a University of Kentucky swimmer, Gaines placed fifth in a race with University of Pennsylvania swimmer Leah Thomas, who is transgender, and the NCAA presented Thomas with the trophy.

“We had to share a locker room with a 6-foot-2, 22-year-old, completely naked, fully intact man who was undressing just inches from where we were undressing at the same time,” Gaines said. “It is a complete violation. The feeling of total betrayal by our universities, by the NCAA.”

Non-conference opponent Southern Utah was eliminated from the Mountain West Conference along with Boise State, Utah State and Wyoming.

“It is disappointing that our SJSU student-athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being barred from competing,” said Michelle Smith McDonald, San Jose State University senior director of media relations. “We are committed to supporting our student-athletes in overcoming these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment.”

“I can tell you that as early as next week you will see more universities doing the same thing,” Gaines said.