A prominent campaign titled "More Than A Game" has been launched by the American Civil Liberties Union, featuring well-known figures such as Elliot Page and Naomi Watts. This initiative seeks to champion the rights of transgender youth, particularly in light of upcoming U.S. Supreme Court hearings concerning state legislation that aims to prohibit transgender girls from participating in scholastic sports. The campaign underscores the fundamental principles of freedom and justice for all individuals, promoting unity and support for the transgender community.
Celebrities Unite to Champion Transgender Youth Rights Ahead of Landmark Supreme Court Cases
In a significant move to advocate for the rights and inclusion of transgender youth, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has initiated a powerful public awareness campaign named "More Than A Game." The campaign, launched on Monday, January 12, 2026, features a constellation of stars including actors Elliot Page and Naomi Watts, alongside athletic icons Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, and comedian Benito Skinner. Their collective voice aims to draw national attention to the ongoing legal battles that challenge state laws restricting transgender girls' participation in school sports.
The timing of this campaign is particularly crucial, as it precedes oral arguments scheduled at the U.S. Supreme Court for cases such as West Virginia v. BPJ Little and Hecox. These cases directly confront legislative efforts to ban transgender girls from school sports, issues that advocates argue infringe upon civil rights and equality.
The "More Than A Game" initiative extends beyond celebrity endorsements, incorporating custom merchandise designed by award-winning fashion designer Willy Chavarria, who also serves as an ACLU Artist Ambassador. The visual elements of the campaign, including compelling photographs captured by artist Collier Schorr and videography by Sundance award-winning director Alessandra Lacorazza, aim to convey a message of solidarity and support. The campaign's message, as articulated by Skinner and Watts in a 30-second video spot, emphasizes that support for transgender youth is not merely about sports, but about a broader commitment to freedom and fundamental rights.
Megan Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner and U.S. Women’s National Team legend, has voiced her strong conviction regarding the campaign. She firmly states her refusal to compromise civil rights protections due to anti-trans rhetoric, warning that any ruling against young trans people in these cases would negatively impact all women. Rapinoe’s stance highlights the interconnectedness of civil rights and the potential ripple effects of discriminatory legislation.
Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project, frames this period as a critical juncture for the nation's willingness to defend its most vulnerable populations. He stresses that while legal battles are essential, the path forward for transgender individuals also necessitates a diverse and unified coalition working towards societal and cultural change. "More Than A Game" is presented as a defiant rejection of divisive efforts, instead calling for unity to protect the freedom deserved by all, both on and off the playing field.
Both Elliot Page and Naomi Watts bring personal connections to the campaign. Page publicly shared his transgender identity five years prior, embracing his queer identity. Watts' daughter, Kai, who is 17 and a successful model, is also transgender. Kai, along with her father Live Schreiber and his wife Taylor, has actively supported organizations like the Ali Forney Center, which offers housing and aid to homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City.
The campaign's initial advertisements aired during the Unrivaled women’s basketball series on January 12 and will continue through in-person activations at the Unrivaled playoff games in Miami in early March. This strategic placement ensures maximum visibility for the campaign's powerful message, uniting athletes, celebrities, artists, advocates, and young people, both cisgender and transgender, under the banner of equality and justice.
This campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the critical role public awareness and advocacy play in shaping legal and societal landscapes. The involvement of prominent figures not only amplifies the message but also brings much-needed visibility and empathy to the experiences of transgender youth. It prompts us to consider the broader implications of legislation on marginalized communities and encourages active participation in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.