TikTok Bans Ads from Clothing Brand that Advocates for Protection of Women’s Sports from Biological Male Athletes
TikTok has banned advertisements from the clothing brand XX-XY Athletics, which is known for its outspoken stance against the inclusion of transgender-identifying biological male athletes in female sports.
Jennifer Sey, the founder of XX-XY Athletics, revealed the notification she received from the social media platform in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The notification from TikTok stated, “your account has been permanently suspended because it does not comply with our advertising policies.”
“We enforce our Advertising Policies through a mix of technology and human moderation,” it continued. “We have detected this policy violation using a mix of automated and manual measures. You can still log into your account, but your ads will not be delivered.”
The notification further claimed that the advertisements from XX-XY Athletics “may violate TikTok’s advertising policies by featuring offensive content” and mentioned that an appeal can be submitted within 180 days. However, TikTok did not specify which policy was violated by the advertisement.
XX-XY Athletics, launched last March by Sey, the former Levi’s global brand president, has partnered with former NCAA swimmers Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan, who both competed against transgender athlete Lia Thomas. The brand also includes de-transitioner Chloe Cole as an ambassador.
The company’s “Team Women” collection of merchandise aims to advocate for female athletes who are losing opportunities to biological men identifying as women. The brand’s website states, “We are unapologetic about our goal. We are here to protect women’s sports and spaces.”
“For women to be recognized as champions and simply to be afforded the chance to compete on an even playing field — and avail themselves of all of the vast educational and developmental opportunities that competing in sports provides — women’s sports need to remain female.”
XX-XY Athletics remains steadfast in its mission, declaring, “We’ll be here defending truth. And women and girls. Until that happens.”
