Context:

A group of teenage girls, Sophia Carpenter and Maddie Eischen, have filed a lawsuit against the state of Oregon, challenging its policies that permit transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. Their decision was bolstered by a public feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines, where Biles' criticism of Gaines sparked widespread social media attention and discussion on the topic. The girls, who previously refused to compete against a transgender athlete, felt encouraged by Gaines and the public support she received to take legal action. The lawsuit, supported by the America First Policy Institute, argues that Oregon's policies violate the sex-based rights under Title IX. Both athletes described their experience of competing against transgender athletes as traumatic and are determined to pursue the legal battle despite potential backlash.

Dive Deeper:

• The lawsuit against Oregon's trans athlete policies was initiated by Sophia Carpenter and Maddie Eischen, inspired by a viral feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines. This feud brought significant public attention to the issue of transgender athletes in women's sports.

• Carpenter and Eischen's decision to file the lawsuit was influenced after they refused to compete against a transgender athlete at the Chehalem Classic, which they described as a traumatic experience.

• Simone Biles' criticism of Riley Gaines on social media, calling her 'truly sick' and suggesting she 'bully someone your own size,' led to widespread negative reactions and discussions on social media, increasing awareness of the issue.

• The lawsuit is being led by the America First Policy Institute, which claims that Oregon's policies sacrifice female athletes' rights for radical ideology and violate their sex-based rights under Title IX.

• Both girls recounted emotional and psychological distress from competing against transgender athletes, with Carpenter particularly feeling demoralized and betrayed by institutions meant to protect fair play.

• Despite fears of retaliation, Carpenter and Eischen are committed to pursuing the lawsuit, with Carpenter returning to high school sports and Eischen beginning her collegiate athletic career.

• The legal battle has attracted national attention, highlighting the ongoing debate over the participation of transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports.