The U.S. and Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team’s players have come together to stand up for gender equality and transgender rights. Literally. On February 16th, before the opening of the SheBelieves Cup match, the United States and Canada’s women’s players stood in solidarity at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium. Players from both teams wore purple tape on one wrist to represent gender equality, and on the other, white tape read “Defend Trans Joy.” This display of gender equality is rooted in the Canadian players’ ongoing battle with their federation, Canadian Soccer Association, for equal treatment with men. More specifically, the appearance of the transgender message was in response to the recently passed anti-transgender legislation in Florida. Last year, the state passed a so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade. This hits particularly close to home for the Canadian players as Quinn, a midfielder, identifies as transgender and non-binary. Numerous players on the Canadian team have also spoken out in support of transgender rights, especially in response to this recent legislation.
Canadian players say they’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup, which is an invitational women’s soccer tournament held in the U.S. in protest after a previous strike prior to legal measures being taken with the CSA. Part of the Cup’s initiative is “to inspire and empower women and girls in sports and beyond,” says the U.S. Soccer website. This February marked the 8th edition of the Cup, consisting of Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S. in three venues, Orlando, FL, Nashville, TN, and Frisco, TX.
Before the kickoff match, the players issued a statement saying they “will continue to wear purple until our association has standards in place that ensure equal treatment and opportunity,” according to CNN. Additionally, Canada’s players wore purple t-shirts saying, “Enough is enough.” They gathered in the center circle as a demonstration of unity. The color choice of purple serves as a symbol for efforts regarding gender equality, mentions the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association in a statement. While the USWNT came out victorious in their fight for gender equality, the U.S. players have decided to focus on their counterparts in Canada who have faced the same misogyny and unequal treatment. The USWNT Players Association statement reads, “We stand with all women’s footballers in calling attention to their collective fight, but also call on everyone to enjoy and support the fight to eradicate ALL inequality and discrimination that exists in our sport,” says CNN. The U.S. players gained equitable pay with the men’s team in 2022 when each signed a new agreement. The players and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to a $24 million settlement to end a 6-year equal pay lawsuit. Following the match of the U.S. against Canada, Canada coach Bev Priestman conveyed her support for her players. Still, the tension with their employer, Canada Soccer, puts her in a rocky position. From CNN, players had voiced earlier that week that they wanted increasing staffing and resources equal to what the men’s team received during their World Cup last year, in addition to previously owed money from 2022.
On February 27th, the president of the Canadian soccer federation resigned due to accusations by the women’s national team of unequal and inequitable treatment. He said, “While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our Women’s National Team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens.” Amidst all this, the Canadian women’s players have said, “To everyone who has supported us as we started this fight…the fans, players, coaches, thank you. We are inspired and motivated… and we will win.”