USWNT midfielder Albert apologized for an anti-LGBTQ+ post that appeared on her social media after receiving backlash and criticism from Megan Rapinoe and others. In an Instagram story she shared on Thursday, Albert wrote that she was sorry for her statements and apologized to the people who were affected by them. The apology post came soon after Rapinoe’s criticism.
Albert’s Controversial Statements
On Thursday, Albert faced criticism after it was revealed that she had liked and shared several anti-LGBTQ remarks on social media. On her TikTok account, Albert shared a sermon about how being gay and “feeling transgender” was incorrect. Albert had also shared a message in which her family claimed that “their pronouns are USA.” Albert has previously liked an Instagram post that was captioned, “God taking time off performing miracles to ensure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final game”.
Later, Albert came up with her apologies for her anti-LGBTQ+ statements. She wrote that she wanted to apologize for her actions on social media. She admitted that liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive, and hurtful was immature and said it was not her intent to hurt anyone. Albert said she was disappointed in herself and apologized to her teammates, other players, fans, friends, and all who were hurt and offended by her statement. She said everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and admitted that her actions didn’t live up to her principles. She said that playing the sport on a world stage was an honor and promised to be better.
Megan Rapinoe’s criticism was what prompted Albert’s apology. Although Rapinoe did not mention Albert by name in her Instagram story, it is commonly assumed that she was alluding to those posts.
Rapinoe’s Criticism
Rapinoe’s criticism began by addressing the people who wanted to hide behind their beliefs. She asked whether they were creating a safer space that is more inclusive and brings out the best in anyone. She continued that if the answer was negative, then their belief was hate. She also added that kids are killing themselves because of this hatred. She also shared her support for the trans people, whom she addressed as homies, for suffering such horrific treatment.
On Thursday, Rapinoe’s veteran USWNT colleague Becky Sauerbrunn reposted the image with the comment, “Well said.” Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis, and Lynn Williams, among other former teammates, also shared the message.
Rapinoe has a long history of standing up for the trans community. In 2023, she opposed the “Protection of Girls and Women in Sports Act,” a section of government legislation that would have prohibited transgender and intersex women and girls from participating in women’s sports.
In September 2023, Rapinoe announced her retirement from the USWNT. Rapinoe tore her Achilles tendon, forcing her to leave the game early in the first half of the 2023 NWSL championship, her last game as a professional.
Similar Incidents In USWNT
Similar circumstances have befallen Jaelene Daniels (née Hinkle), whose vocal anti-LGBTQ+ opinions have caused her to be consistently overlooked for the USWNT.
However, there are important distinctions between Daniels’s and Albert’s examples. When the USWNT sported rainbow numbers on their jerseys to honor Pride Month in 2017, Daniels once turned down an invitation to play with the team. In contrast, Albert has yet to say no to being called up to the team.
Read more: FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced to Prison For 25 Years
The women’s national team has consistently backed LGBTQ+ rights, individually and collectively. Players wore adhesive wristbands with the phrase “Protect Trans Kids” during the 2022′ SheBelieves Cup’ final in Texas. It was on the same day that Governor of Texas Greg Abbott ordered public employees to report transgender parents to Texas authorities, labeling “elective procedures for gender transitioning” as “child abuse.”