India, Aug. 23 -- Sophie Cunningham has found herself at the center of a growing debate over transgender participation in women's sports after speaking publicly about protecting women and young girls in locker rooms. Her comments have since been embraced by groups campaigning against trans inclusion, with supporters gathering outside Indiana Fever games carrying signs such as "Save Women's Sports" and "Thank You Sophie," including during Saturday's matchup against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

The Indiana Fever guard has now addressed the protests and the way her comments have been used at political rallies over the past month. Her remarks, originally made in July, quickly became part of a wider political discussion and have c...