rights
Riley Gaines Says Fight Isn’t Over After SCOTUS Ruling, Because Then Who Would Pay Her To Be On a Podcast?
By Mathew Rodriguez at them.
· July 2, 2026
· 5 min read
You might think that a Supreme Court ruling, such as the recent one which gave states the green light to continue banning transgender women and girls from female sports teams, would be the final word on something. But that’s not the case for fifth-place loser Riley Gaines, who still feels that there
Key takeaway But that’s not the case for fifth-place loser Riley Gaines, who still feels that there are trans kids out there she can bully.
Why this matters
Riley Gaines' continued advocacy against trans athletes in states with protective legislation highlights the patchwork nature of LGBTQ+ rights in the US. With the Supreme Court ruling allowing state bans to remain in place, the issue has become increasingly localized, with fairness and safety for trans students depending on their state of residence. Gaines' call for the Department of Justice and Department of Education to enforce Title IX against institutions that allow trans girls to play on girls' sports teams suggests a potential escalation of the issue at the federal level. Her targeting of California Governor Gavin Newsom also indicates a growing partisan divide on the issue. As the debate continues, national organizations such as the National LGBTQ Task Force may play a crucial role in supporting trans students and advocating for inclusive policies across states. The Trevor Project's crisis line may also be a vital resource for trans youth affected by these policies.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: them. ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? You might think that a Supreme Court ruling, such as the recent one which gave states the green light to continue banning transgender women and girls from female sports teams, would be the final word on something. But that’s not the case for fifth-place loser Riley Gaines, who still feels that there
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by them. and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mathew Rodriguez at them.. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .