WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) announced that Riley Gaines, 12x NCAA All-American swimmer and IWF spokeswoman, will attend President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union (SOTU) address as the special guest of Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI).
Gaines has received national attention for speaking out against the NCAA’s discriminatory policy of allowing biological males to take roster spots, opportunities, and awards from female athletes. Gaines, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, famously tied biological male Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division I Swimming Championships. She joined IWF in December to encourage policymakers to take back Title IX and ensure equal opportunity in athletics.
Gaines’ attendance at the SOTU comes as sporting organizations around the world continue to open women’s competitions to biological males at an alarming rate.
Each year, the SOTU is a chance to showcase the achievements and challenges of everyday Americans. This year, IWF Spokeswoman Gaines calls on lawmakers to protect equal opportunity, and oppose policies that threaten fairness, equity, and security for women.
Riley Gaines, IWF Spokeswoman, said, “I couldn’t be more excited to attend the State of the Union address alongside Representative McClain. Not only is she an amazing leader and congresswoman, she has been an integral part in protecting women’s sports on the basis of sex. She truly knows the value of female-only spaces and how sports empowers young girls. She will relentlessly fight the Left’s subversive war on women. Thank you, Representative McClain!”
“Riley Gaines is a courageous and inspirational woman who dared to speak out against the tyranny of wokeism” said Rep. McClain. “She has stood up for women’s rights and the protection of fair and equal playing fields in sports even though she was hounded in the media. I am honored Riley will be my guest at the State of the Union, and I am eager to work with her moving forward to protect the values that make the United States the greatest country in the world.”
For more information, visit the links below:
- Gaines Wall Street Journal: Charlie Baker Can Save Women’s Sports
- Gaines FoxNews.com: I am a 12x NCAA All-American swimmer. Female athletes should compete on the basis of sex, not gender
- IWF Report: COMPETITION: Title IX, Male-Bodied Athletes, and the Threat to Women’s Sports