The GIST, a women-focused sports media company with one million newsletter subscribers and over 40 million monthly social reach, openly supports transgender athletes competing according to their gender identity rather than biological sex. Co-founded by Ellen Hyslop, The GIST has taken a clear stance amid ongoing national debates about transgender participation in women’s sports.

A public relations representative for The GIST reached out to a reporter after reading recent coverage of the WNBA, specifically citing incidents involving Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The PR agent pitched an interview to discuss the WNBA's growth and cultural impact, acknowledging that much of the conversation around the league had centered on race, gender, and politics. However, once it became clear that the reporter might question The GIST's position on transgender athletes, the interview was withdrawn.

The GIST states on its website, “At The GIST, we believe trans women are women and that trans athletes have the right to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity.”

Meanwhile, the debate continues on the court and in the media. ‘Outkick’ hosts Dan Dakich and Jon Scott praised Sophie Cunningham for speaking out about protecting women’s sports, particularly after Cunningham told ESPN she wanted to protect young girls from competing against biological men. The hosts criticized Cunningham’s association with Riley Gaines, a vocal critic of transgender athlete participation, and commended Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a “trans kids belong” shirt before a game against Indiana.

One host, Rotz, stated, “Trans rights are human rights,” adding that “inclusion should be the default and we'll work it out from there.” The hosts also suggested that those supporting Cunningham’s position do not genuinely care about women’s sports.

The situation highlights the growing scrutiny and cultural tensions surrounding the WNBA as it becomes a larger cultural force in the United States.

Sources