Portland Thorns Match Sees Tensions Over ‘Save Women’s Sports’ Activists

Around 20 activists from “Save Women’s Sports,” wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts, were removed from a Portland Thorns match on Friday evening. This followed an incident where they faced physical and verbal hostility from other fans during a demonstration supporting female-only sports. The incident occurred during the Thorns’ match against the North Carolina Courage at Providence Park. The event was part of the club’s ‘Fan Appreciation’ night.

Initially, the activists concealed their XX-XY shirts. Early in the second half, they revealed them and displayed a banner reading ‘Save Women’s Sports’. According to reports, a confrontation erupted, involving trans-supporting fans who responded aggressively, using flagpoles with trans flags to strike at the activists. Security soon stepped in, ejecting the 20 demonstrators from the venue.

Amy Sousa, a women’s sports activist, and commentator Brandi Kruse were among the organizers of the group. Both had previously been involved in advocating for WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. Sousa reported that they filed police reports after being removed from the stadium. She described how they were hit with flags and had beverages thrown at them.

“We were attacked by fans. We had drinks thrown at us. We were forcibly pushed out. An ADA woman in a walker was pushed out. They let these people hit us with flags,” said Sousa outside the stadium.

This was not Sousa’s first ejection at Providence Park. In early September, she faced removal for similar reasons when accused of being “transphobic.” The recent actions by the activists were timed during the match to avoid ejection; however, members of the Rose City Riveters caught wind of their plans.

Trans pride flags were distributed among fans, seemingly to obstruct views of the banner. An altercation followed with chants of “Trans lives matter!” An OutKick journalist attempting to document this was subject to verbal attacks and physical aggression.

Several XX-XY supporters left the venue early, feeling unsafe. Others, like detransitioned individual Ari Laureano, stayed despite being hit with flagpoles. Laureano argued that the media portrayal of these activists does not accurately represent their stand.

“I’m here with them as a gay man harmed by being transitioned young, and I’m being beaten alongside them. These are just normal women who care,” said Laureano.

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which includes the Thorns, lacks a policy to exclude any player based on birth. Meanwhile, legislative measures in Washington and Colorado aim to restrict sports participation based on biological sex.

Both Amy Sousa and Brandi Kruse, along with XX-XY founder Jennifer Sey, have pledged to push forward these legislative measures without resorting to violence. Matt Calkins, a columnist at OutKick, focuses on sports and culture intersections. His previous work includes roles at the Seattle Times and the San Diego Union Tribune.