Viral Ad by XX-XY Athletics Calls Out Nike for Silence on Women’s Sports Amid Transgender Athlete Controversies
An ad from XX-XY Athletics, the sports brand designed to defend women’s sports, has gone viral after it criticized Nike for not speaking out in support of women’s sports as transgender-identifying athletes seek to compete in female categories.
The ad gained significant attention after being shared by Riley Gaines, a brand ambassador for XX-XY Athletics. Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and vocal advocate for women’s sports, praised the ad on social media.
“Chills! Powerful ad by XX-XY Athletics in honor of Real Womens Day tomorrow,” Gaines posted last week. “It’s not hard to stand up for women and girls, so why won’t Nike just do it?”
The advertisement opens with a young girl saying, “Dear Nike,” followed by several others looking directly into the camera, questioning why the athletic giant remains silent on the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The ad continues with a sharp critique: “Men and boys are stealing opportunities, medals, trophies, and our future. And it is not fair or just. In fact, it’s awfully dangerous, yet you refuse to use your platform to stand up. You say you’re for social justice and progress, so why do you allow men’s rights to come before ours?”
“See, with a big platform comes an even bigger responsibility,” the girls said. “You have a chance to do the right thing, not just do the easy thing. So we’re asking you, Nike, as the biggest voice in all of sports, will you stand up for me? Will you just do it?”
The advertisement has already amassed millions of views across social media platforms, drawing praise from women who have continued to speak out about unfair opportunities of biological men competing in women’s sports.
XX-XY Athletics was founded earlier this year by Jennifer Sey, the former global brand president of Levi’s. The company has aligned itself with a strong mission of defending female athletes’ rights, partnering with Riley Gaines and de-transition advocate Chloe Cole as ambassadors.
“We are unapologetic about our goal. We are here to protect women’s sports and spaces,” the company’s website states.
