Clubs within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are divided as Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy urges the league to “adopt gender standards” to safeguard women’s sports.
Eddy, in a recent piece for New York Post, posed the question, “How do we protect women’s rights while ensuring fair inclusion?”
“Fairness and inclusion are fundamental American values. People might have different opinions on the specifics, but ignoring diverse perspectives doesn’t help anyone. We owe it to today’s and future female athletes to address this issue,” she stated. “The NWSL needs clear standards. One possibility could be requiring all athletes to be born with ovaries, in line with the FA’s policy. Another approach might involve SRY genetic testing, similar to procedures in World Athletics and World Boxing.”
Eddy’s teammates, including Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson, expressed their frustration towards her comments aimed at protecting women’s sports from transgender athletes, as reported by Fox News.
“That article doesn’t reflect our team or what we stand for. I’ve had numerous discussions with my teammates lately, and they are hurt—really hurt—by it. Some of the things mentioned are disgusting. I just need to make that clear,” Gaulden commented on Friday.
“We disagree with the article for several reasons, many of which carry an undercurrent of transphobia and racism. It suggests genetic testing for certain athletes and even features a photo of an athlete of African descent,” she added. “This is deeply harmful and, to me, inherently racist, as it targets a community based on their appearance or differences. As a mixed woman with a Black family, I’m heartbroken by the message of this article.”
Anderson remarked that the ethos of both the team and the city of Los Angeles is rooted in inclusivity.
“When I think of L.A. and Angel City, I envision a place built on inclusivity and love for everyone. That’s the essence of our locker room, our staff, and our fan base. Angel City is for everyone, and it always will be. It has been since the start, and it will continue to be,” she stated.
“I believe that the timing of this issue adds another significant challenge on top of what has already been a tough year for us,” she continued. “That’s certainly not how we wish to conclude this season as a team. I want everyone to know that we’re working hard in the locker room to foster respect and a sense of belonging, and we aim to finish the season on a high note.”
In response to Eddy’s column, NWSL stated that it is committed to collaborating with the NWSL Players Association regarding any policy updates.
