Overview

• On June 8, Biles took to X to denounce Gaines’ criticism of a Minnesota high school softball team’s transgender pitcher, calling her ‘truly sick’ in a direct rebuke.
• Biles proposed establishing a separate category for transgender athletes to promote inclusion without compromising women’s competitions.
• Gaines countered with a video accusing Biles of body shaming and of ‘selling out’ girls’ sports to validate men’s feelings.
• In her response, Gaines cited Biles’ past tweet on male gymnasts’ advantages and her activism against Larry Nassar to argue hypocrisy.
• Their dispute has amplified broader debates over fairness, safety and inclusion in women’s sports as high-profile athletes use social media to stoke the discussion.