Riley Gaines’ Anti-Trans Strategy Sparks Outcry After NY Times Profile

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA All-American swimmer, first captured national attention during the 2022 NCAA championships, where she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, in the women’s 200-meter freestyle event. The incident—marked by Gaines being handed a sixth-place trophy for a photo opportunity—became a pivotal moment in her public trajectory. According to her mother, Gaines “hated losing more than she loved to win” even as a child, a sentiment that has reportedly fueled her subsequent activism against transgender inclusion in women’s sports .

This week, a New York Times profile brought new scrutiny to Gaines’ activism, quoting her explicit goal to “use trans athletes to make the trans rights movement crumble.” The article, intended to provide insight into her motivations and strategies, quickly sparked backlash from both LGBTQ+ advocates and segments of the general public, who criticized the framing and perceived bias of the piece .

The article highlighted Gaines’ persistent targeting of trans athletes, including Lia Thomas, and her growing prominence on the political right. Critics argue that Gaines’ approach seeks to delegitimize the rights and experiences of transgender people rather than engage in constructive discourse about fairness and inclusion in sports .

Reaction to the New York Times profile was swift and polarized. LGBTQ+ organizations condemned Gaines’ stated intent, emphasizing that her tactics risk further marginalizing transgender athletes who already face significant barriers to participation and acceptance. Activists and community leaders highlighted that framing transgender inclusion as a threat undermines the core values of equity and respect that should govern all sports .

Meanwhile, conservative media outlets and commentators rallied to Gaines’ defense, accusing the Times of unfairly characterizing her advocacy as petty and mean-spirited. Some argued that the profile misrepresented Gaines’ motivations and failed to acknowledge concerns about competitive fairness voiced by cisgender athletes and their supporters .

Prominent LGBTQ+ figures took to social media to denounce Gaines’ strategy, with many noting the potential harm to young transgender athletes whose opportunities and sense of belonging hang in the balance. Calls for solidarity and support for trans athletes have intensified in the wake of the article’s publication .

The controversy surrounding Gaines is emblematic of a broader national debate over transgender inclusion in sports—a debate that has intensified in recent years as more transgender athletes compete at high levels. Advocates for trans rights emphasize that participation in sports is a critical aspect of social development, health, and visibility for transgender people. They argue that exclusionary policies and rhetoric, such as those promoted by Gaines, perpetuate stigma and discrimination .

Opponents, including Gaines and her supporters, contend that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports raises issues of fairness and competitive integrity. However, many scientific and sports governing bodies note that there is no consensus on the impact of hormone therapy and transition on athletic performance, and recommend policies that balance inclusion with fairness .