Conservatives Offer to Pay Women to Boycott Transgender Golfer

Amid backlash involving transgender golfer Hailey Davidson, conservatives, in an effort to boycott the transgender athlete, took to social media on Tuesday offering to pay women not to tee off with Davidson.

Debates around transgender athletes have soared in recent years, with many conservatives arguing that transgender women competing in all-female leagues allows for an unfair advantage against biological girls and women. Riley Gaines, a former Division I collegiate swimmer, has been vocal against transgender athletes' inclusion in women's sports.

Davidson, a trans golfer from Scotland, recently won the NXXT Women's Classic at Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Davidson participated in the elite tournament and beat 24 players in the three-round event, which ended on January 17. Since her victory, Davidson has faced backlash, as she noted on her Instagram.

"It's always interesting how no one gets angry until there is any form of success," Davidson wrote on Saturday. "I will never allow hate to win, especially when based in some misinformation."

On Tuesday, concerns over Davidson and other transgender athletes on social media sparked a call from Gaines, among other conservatives, for a boycott against Davidson.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Gaines offered to pay "any expenses" for women not to tee off with Davidson, adding that Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillion has agreed to take part while urging other to participate.

"If the women competing against male golfer, Hailey Davidson, don't tee off, I will personally pay any expenses, sponsorships, and/or prize money lost. @SethDillon has agreed to contribute as would many others I imagine. We must stop participating in the farce at large," Gaines wrote.

The post has since sparked calls from other conservatives to do the same.

In a statement emailed to Newsweek, Gaines noted the amount of support she is receiving, saying that "100s of people" and businesses are willing to financial support the boycott.

"I know a boycott is easier said than done," said Gaines, Independent Women's Forum ambassador and OutKick's Gaines for Girls podcast host. "You train so hard as well as have sponsors to appease. Since announcing I would support a boycott among female golfers, I have had 100s of people, businesses, and other entities privately messaging me saying they would also support with funds and endorsement deals. The silent majority is finding its voice."

Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly added to Gaines' post by saying on X, "Same."

While Dillion said on X: "Megyn Kelly and Clay Travis have joined us in pledging to compensate women who refuse to compete against men. Let's go!"

Travis, a writer, lawyer and radio host, added to the conversation, saying, "This is a great idea. I'm in too."

Despite the call for boycotts amid debates on transgender athletes, Athlete Ally, which aims to end homophobia and transphobia in sports, is one of the organizations continuing to work toward creating an inclusive environment in the sports sphere as more calls for bans and boycotts are being seen.

In a statement emailed to Newsweek, Athlete Ally noted how Davidson has followed proper guidelines and urged those concerned about women's sports to fight for equal pay and end sexual abuse.

"Hailey has followed the guidelines put forth by the Women's Pro Tour," said Joanna Hoffman, director of communications at Athlete Ally. "Like all athletes, she trains hard for her sport. Sometimes she wins, and sometimes she loses. And like all people, she does not deserve death threats simply for being who she is and participating in the sport she loves.

"At the highest level of sport and in extensive research, experts have underscored that transgender athletes are severely underrepresented in sport, that being transgender does not give someone an inherent advantage, and that inclusivity and non-discrimination should be the cornerstones of any sport policy.

"We urge those who are concerned about the integrity of women's sports to join the fight for equal pay and for an end to rampant sexual abuse, rather than targeting individuals who are simply living their lives as they are."