Jennifer Say: A Voice Against Injustice
Jennifer Say, a former gymnast, has been swimming against the tide for quite some time now.
This once-celebrated national champion spoke out about abuse in the sport, drawing criticism from powerful voices in gymnastics who labeled her a “grifter and liar,” all before the public was fully aware of the horrific actions of convicted predator Larry Nassar.
Reflecting on her experiences, she recalls receiving threatening messages from the head of American gymnastics. “The sports community really turned on me, even some teammates… and the head of Australian gymnastics tried to undermine me,” she notes, mentioning the abuse detailed in her memoir. Despite the attacks, this adversity has only solidified her commitment to her cause.
From Corporate Leader to Advocate
Years later, Say found herself in a solid position as an executive at Levi’s. However, she felt compelled to speak out against the unjust lockdowns that kept children out of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This stance ultimately cost her that corporate role, branding her as a “radical” in the eyes of some pandemic supporters. Yet now, her perspective seems validated; recent studies reveal the serious consequences faced by students who couldn’t attend school during those turbulent times.
The Cost of Quarantine
She isn’t one to simply forgive and forget. Say is now working on a documentary titled “Generational COVID,” which aims to highlight the innocent lives caught in the bureaucratic crossfire during the pandemic.
The film provides a platform for children to share their experiences, touching on serious issues like suicide attempts, lost scholarships, and feelings of isolation. “It’s heartbreaking and devastating,” she admits, sharing how she often finds herself in tears during interviews.
Her own children have faced challenges as well. “That’s why we moved from San Francisco to Colorado,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for learning in her kids. “It broke my heart to see the impact on them.”
A Fight for Truth
Say expresses frustration at figures like Randy Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, whom she accuses of trying to rewrite the narrative surrounding school closures. “It’s all well documented; how can they lie about their roles?” she questions. “No one was fighting for the kids.”
“Generational COVID” features insights from Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health, and aims to remain non-partisan, focusing on factual representation while giving children a voice.
Seeking Distribution
The film is still in search of distributors willing to engage with its politically charged themes. Say highlights how right-leaning platforms have long discussed Covid’s impact, while left-leaning ones haven’t quite grasped its implications, which complicates her efforts.
The messages within the film resonate more deeply than many might realize. She draws parallels between public school challenges and broader issues like housing and disease outbreaks.
She acknowledges the significant political repercussions of the lockdowns, noting a surge in younger voters who rallied for former President Trump during the last election. One young individual featured in the documentary won’t forget how the lockdown affected him, including worrying weight gain and losing a soccer scholarship. “I think many young people feel their lives have been irrevocably changed, especially by the Democrats,” she shares.
A Continued Battle
Say’s fight is far from over. Last year, she launched the XX-XY Athletics Brand, championing the protection of women’s sports, particularly in light of controversies like that surrounding trans swimmer Leah Thomas. Though she appreciates President Trump’s executive order safeguarding women’s sports, she knows that more action is needed.
She draws attention to cases like Natalie Daniels, a marathon winner who faced backlash for competing against trans women in women’s sports. “She’s the kindest person,” Say remarks, emphasizing the bullying Daniels has endured and how it serves as a reminder of the work still to be done.
“I’m not going to back down,” she insists, adding that an overwhelming majority of Americans agree with her stance.
Few struggles are as intense as those she’s faced, both as an athlete and now as an advocate. “I’ve endured physical pain before, and I can handle the backlash now,” she states. “It’s not that hard.”
