Riley Gaines Spars with Protesters During OU Event on Transgender Athletes

NORMAN, OK—Conservative political activist Riley Gaines drew hundreds of attendees to her speech on transgender women in sports at the University of Oklahoma on April 2, 2023, while demonstrators gathered outside to voice their opposition.

Hosted by the OU chapter of Turning Point USA, the event allowed Gaines to discuss her experiences as a former NCAA swimmer and advocate against transgender women competing in women’s sports. In a statement during her talk, Gaines claimed that her stance on the issue aligns with her Christian values, asserting, ‘There are two sexes. Men and women are different.’

The event started with OU Turning Point USA faculty adviser Gary Barksdale reminding attendees of the university’s policies regarding disruption. Throughout Gaines’ speech, however, no disruptions occurred from the crowd. ‘It can be won,’ she declared, emphasizing the importance of young people’s engagement in political conversations.

Outside Dale Hall, approximately 25 protesters held signs opposing Gaines’ views. Among them was Zane Smith, an OU engineering junior, who said events like Gaines’ talk overshadow more pressing issues. ‘It shouldn’t be a big deal who is playing in sports,’ he said, noting that the focus on transgender athletes diverts attention from larger problems.

As a vocal critic of transgender women’s participation in women’s sports, Gaines’ presence was not without controversy. A group of nearly 100 supporters and detractors faced off as she spoke. Protester Ari Berkowitz, an OU biology professor, described the current climate for transgender individuals as particularly frightening.

“The idea that trans people are harmful is absurd,” Berkowitz said. “They should be able to participate in everyday life and sports without fear of judgment or backlash.”

During the Q&A section of the event, a student challenged Gaines on the notion that the number of transgender athletes is too small to be a significant issue. Gaines responded, “How many more girls have to be impacted before you care? One is too many.”

Adri Vega, an arts and sciences sophomore who attended the speech out of curiosity, questioned Gaines’ use of phrases like ‘war on woke,’ pointing out that such language often alienates communities. Gaines clarified that her intent was to support women’s rights in sports, not to attack transgender individuals.

Her speech comes in a broader context, following her controversial history as an athlete competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. In 2022, Gaines drew national attention after competing against Thomas in the NCAA championships. This incident sparked national conversations on the fairness of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

Gaines claimed that her experiences in competitive sports, alongside the ongoing legislative changes regarding transgender rights, inspired her activism. “It is sad that such basic truths must be spelled out,” she said, referring to laws aimed to restrict transgender participation in sports.

Political backing for Gaines’ stance includes support from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who described her as a ‘generational leader.’ Following the event, OU Turning Point USA president Kalib Magana reported that some promotional materials for the event were vandalized, leading to an investigation by campus police.

In closing, Gaines expressed a desire for open dialogue. “I wish those who oppose me would engage and listen,” she said. “Ultimately, that’s how we advance.”