Caitlin Clark, a standout rookie in the WNBA, acknowledged her privilege as a white player and emphasized the foundational role Black players have played in building the league. In an interview with Time, she expressed the importance of elevating Black women in the sport and called for more investment in these players. Clark also discussed her feelings about not being selected for the Paris Olympics, stating she wants to be recognized for her skills rather than just her marketability.
President Joe Biden proclaims June 2024 as LGBTQI+ Pride Month, celebrating the community's contributions and progress while reaffirming his administration's commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights and combating discrimination both domestically and globally.
South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley expressed support for allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, stating that anyone who considers themselves a woman should be able to play. The topic of transgender athletes in sports has sparked controversy, with opponents arguing that transgender athletes assigned male at birth have an advantage over cisgender women. This issue has led to legal battles and legislation in several states. Staley's comments come ahead of her team's NCAA Tournament championship game against Iowa, where the topic was also raised.
Outrage over the officiating in Iowa's win over West Virginia in the NCAA Tournament highlights the growing relevance and respect for women's basketball. The intense debates and criticisms from fans, NBA players, and coaches demonstrate that the women's game is being taken as seriously as the men's. Iowa's Caitlin Clark, a standout player, has become a cultural phenomenon, driving decisions by broadcast executives and marketing departments. The passionate arguments and criticisms directed at women athletes reflect a sign of respect and demonstrate that their games truly matter.
Actress Olivia Colman criticized the gender pay gap in Hollywood during a CNN appearance, stating that male actors are paid more despite outdated beliefs about drawing in audiences. She highlighted a 12,000% pay disparity and expressed frustration similar to that of actress Taraji P. Henson, who also spoke out about the gender and racial pay gaps. The U.S. Department of Labor's recent report revealed that women earn 84% of what men do in full-time, year-round jobs, with job differences being a major factor.
The UN's annual meeting promoting equality for women and girls began with five male speakers in a row, prompting apologies and unease among attendees. The first woman to speak, Chetna Gala Sinha, emphasized the need to invest in women, followed by a young woman from Malawi representing youth. UN Women's executive director, Sima Bahous, highlighted the rising backlash against gender equality and the need for funding to lift millions of women and girls out of poverty. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and emphasized the suffering of women and girls in conflict situations.
Voters in Ireland rejected proposed changes to the country's Constitution that would have removed language about women's duties being in the home and broadened the definition of family beyond marriage. The unexpected defeat for equality campaigners and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar reflects a failure to convince the majority of people to vote 'Yes' in the two referendums aimed at reflecting the nation's more secular and liberal values.
The NCAA's historical erasure of women's basketball records before 1982, due to its lack of recognition and funding for women's sports, has led to the neglect of remarkable achievements by players like Lynette Woodard. The AIAW, a self-formed organization, paved the way for women's basketball, showcasing incredible talent and determination. The NCAA's selective recognition of pre-NCAA achievements is inconsistent and unjust, and it's time to give these pioneering women the respect and recognition they deserve.
The Iowa house education committee debated a bill proposed by Republican governor Kim Reynolds that would eliminate legal recognition for transgender people and redefine the word "equal" to exclude transgender individuals from equal protections. The bill also mandates special gender markers on birth certificates for transgender individuals, reminiscent of past discriminatory practices. Despite heavy opposition, the committee passed the bill on a party-line vote, raising concerns about the erosion of equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Philadelphia Eagles celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by acknowledging the talented women who work in sports and recognizing their contributions on this special day and every day.
Taraji P. Henson became emotional during an interview with Gayle King, expressing frustration over the pay gap in Hollywood. Henson, who has had a successful career with accolades including an Oscar nomination, revealed that she often receives lowball offers and feels tired of fighting for fair compensation. She emphasized the importance of paving the way for future generations and ensuring that Black actresses don't face the same struggles. Henson's interview went viral, with fellow actors Gabrielle Union and Robin Thede showing support and highlighting the financial challenges faced by many in the industry.
Transgender rights are facing numerous challenges with the introduction and passage of anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans legislation across the United States. Despite the adversity, transgender activists continue to fight for their communities and demand equal treatment. The trans community's resilience and strength are highlighted, with activists emphasizing the importance of visibility and fighting for the rights that previous generations fought for. Transgender individuals find joy amid trauma and discrimination, and they strive to thrive and survive like everyone else.
A female pool player in Wales reportedly forfeited a final match after being drawn to compete against a transgender woman. The player, Lynne Pinches, received applause from spectators for her decision. Harriet Haynes, the transgender woman, was declared the winner. Haynes has had a successful year in pool competitions.
Women and nonbinary individuals in Iceland, including the prime minister, went on a 24-hour strike to protest the gender pay gap. Thousands gathered in Reykjavík and other locations across the country. Women earn about 21% less than men, with immigrant women, sanitation and childcare workers, disabled individuals, and the elderly facing the greatest wage disparities. This is the seventh strike since 1975, with previous strikes addressing gender pay gap, sexual violence, and supporting the #MeToo movement. Men were encouraged to fill in for women and nonbinary individuals during the strike.
Research by University of Delaware anthropology professor Sarah Lacy challenges the widely accepted notion that men were hunters and women were gatherers in prehistoric times. Lacy and her colleague Cara Ocobock found little evidence to support the idea of specific gender roles during the Paleolithic era, and they argue that women were not only physically capable of hunting but also likely participated in hunting activities. The researchers highlight examples of equality in ancient tools, diet, art, burials, and anatomy, and they emphasize the role of estrogen in conferring advantages to women in activities requiring endurance. The study aims to shift the default approach in research to acknowledge the division of labor among both sexes in prehistoric societies.
