Shreveport Reporter

Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American NCAA swimmer and ambassador to the Independent Women’s Forum, has expressed support for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's recent stance on gender identity issues. In an op-ed published in RealClearPolitics, Gaines applauded Johnson's announcement aimed at protecting women-only spaces within the United States Capitol.

Gaines highlighted Speaker Johnson's statement: “Men are men, women are women, men cannot become women,” noting his understanding that government should ensure privacy, safety, and opportunity for both men and women. She recounted her experiences as an elite swimmer traveling across the country and emphasized the importance of maintaining separate spaces for privacy and protection.

In her op-ed, Gaines criticized organizations like the National Women’s Law Center for redefining "woman" to include men. She called for bold leadership to address what she perceives as a misunderstanding of basic physiology and anatomy.

Gaines praised Speaker Johnson's actions during new members' orientation in Congress, where he reaffirmed his position on Title IX protections. Johnson used his authority to maintain single-sex facilities in the Capitol. Gaines clarified that this move was not an attack on newly elected member Sarah McBride but rather a stand against modern gender ideology.

She mentioned that Speaker Johnson hosted a panel with former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and others to discuss Title IX protections. Gaines argued that redefining "sex" under Title IX to include "gender identity" could undermine women's rights.

The Independent Women’s Forum has documented stories of individuals who regret transitioning genders due to irreversible medical procedures. Gaines urged Americans concerned about their daughters' future safety to speak out against what she termed "gender ideology madness."

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