US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe says female sports have been ‘weaponized’ against trans people

As Rapinoe prepares for her final Women's World Cup, she has voiced her belief that biological males who identify as female should be allowed to compete against biological women.

"We as a country are trying to legislate away people’s full humanity,” the 38-year-old said during an interview with Time Magazine.

"It's particularly frustrating when women's sports is weaponized," she continued. "Oh, now we care about fairness? Now we care about women's sports? That's total bullsh*t. Show me all the trans people who are nefariously taking advantage of being trans in sports. It's just not happening."

Rapinoe was also asked if she would support a trans woman playing on the United States Women's National Team, even if it meant that a biological woman would miss out on an opportunity to play for the team.

She said she would support the move, but that she would not characterize that situation as someone "taking a 'real' woman's place."

"That's the part of the argument that's still extremely transphobic," she added. "I see trans women as real women. What you're saying automatically in the argument – you're sort of telling on yourself already – is you don't believe these people are women, therefore, they're taking the other spot. I don't feel that way."

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova later responded to Rapinoe’s comments with just one word: "Yikes…"

Rapinoe announced over the weekend that she intended to retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, per CNN.

Transgender participation in high-level sports has been prohibited in some areas with the introduction of new regulations. In March, for example, World Athletics (WA) announced updated rules banning biological males from competing in female track and field events, but only "male-to-female transgender athletes who have been through male puberty."