Riley Gaines steps onto the stage in a ballroom at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center wearing a black T-shirt with “XX ≠ XY” written across her chest in white letters.
The former University of Kentucky swimmer flew halfway across the country to stand with nine Nevada women’s volleyball players who are here to explain why they refused to play a game against San Jose State, a team they say includes a transgender player.
The event, sponsored by the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), was originally booked in a college bar across town, but it was moved to accommodate the larger crowd, about 400 deep. Nevada senate candidate Sam Brown is in attendance with his family. Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony is scheduled to speak.
But first, Gaines invites the Nevada volleyball players, wearing black “BOYcott” T-shirts, to the stage. Many in the crowd stand and wave signs saying “Protect Women’s Sports” and “I stand with Nevada volleyball.” Nevada is the fifth team that has refused to play San Jose State this season. The schools have not cited the San Jose State player as a reason for the forfeits, but the Nevada players are here to make their…
