'It's about freedom': Celebs push for boys in girls' sports in new ad

Jan 16, 2026 - 12:28
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'It's about freedom': Celebs push for boys in girls' sports in new ad


Boys playing on the girls' soccer team? It's the American way.

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That's the bizarre message of a new ad in which a motley assemblage of actors and athletes lecture the viewer on the importance of allowing male high school athletes to compete against females.

'Time and time again, we see powerful politicians fixate on trans kids.'

Released Monday, the 30-second clip kicks off the ACLU's "More Than a Game" campaign, which seeks to draw attention to two Supreme Court cases the organization brought challenging state bans on transgender-identified biological males playing women's sports.

'Free'-for-all

In the spot, celebs ranging from soccer player turned activist Megan Rapinoe to actors Naomi Watts and Elliot (née Ellen) Page deliver feel-good, fact-free slogans like, "Supporting trans youth isn't just about sports. It's about freedom."

The ad also claims that transgender children are "the living, breathing fabric of this country."

"Sports are for every kid who wants to play — including trans youth," the ACLU wrote in a message underneath the clip.

RELATED: ACLU's Alligator Alcatraz lawsuit CRUSHED: Trump judge smacks down liberal bid to close facility meant for illegal aliens

Targeting 'trans'

The group simultaneously released a petition against what it calls the Trump administration's "attacks" on "trans kids."

"Over the last several years, politicians across the country have targeted trans people and our families — and under the Trump administration, these attacks have only gotten more unconscionable and cruel," the organization wrote in a statement accompanying the petition.

"One of their most consistent targets? Trans student athletes. Time and time again, we see powerful politicians fixate on trans kids and attempt to ban them from playing school sports with their friends."

Without providing any citations, the ACLU claimed children have been subjected to "invasive and demeaning sex testing" which has allegedly resulted in "all of us [being] less safe and free to be ourselves."

As of this writing, the petition has secured some 23,500 of the 25,000 signatures it seeks.

RELATED: Pro-transgender Seattle Kraken jersey enrages NHL fans: 'Feel some trans joy'

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Ban wagon

Other notable personalities to appear in the ACLU's commercial included former WNBA player Sue Bird, current WNBA player Brianna Turner, actress Kara Young, and fashion designer Willy Chavarria.

Following oral arguments Tuesday, a majority of the justices signaled skepticism toward the challenges, suggesting the bans are likely to be upheld. The Court is expected to issue a formal ruling by late spring or summer.

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Fibis I am just an average American. My teen years were in the late 70s and I participated in all that that decade offered. Started working young, too young. Then I joined the Army before I graduated High School. I spent 25 years in, mostly in Infantry units. Since then I've worked in information technology positions all at small family owned companies. At this rate I'll never be a tech millionaire. When I was young I rode horses as much as I could. I do believe I should have been a cowboy. I'm getting in the saddle again by taking riding lessons and see where it goes.