Protesters rally outside Lynx game in wake of Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes

Following recent remarks by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham opposing transgender athletes competing in women's sports, about 100 people protested in Minneapolis on Sunday outside Target Center where the Minnesota Lynx played the Fever.

The crowd was equally split with those who supported Cunningham's views that trans women should be banned from girls' and women's sports and those who said that trans athletes should be welcomed. Protesters gathered in the morning before the much-anticipated Lynx-Fever matchup.

"We fought hard for Title IX, and I really believe in that mission, and I believe in protecting women," said Robyn Theisen, 53, of St. Louis Park, who said she thought trans athletes should be barred from women and girls' sports.

Rachael Burt, one of the organizers of the counterprotest, said there's room for grey area while discussing inclusion in girls' sports as opposed to black-and-white decisions. "There has to be room for conversation where we could come together, but the conversation cannot be happening if it's ... stemming [from] hate and, like, discrimination," said Burt, 34, of Minneapolis.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, in a post-practice interview on Saturday, acknowledged the need for nuance. "I come from a space of inclusion and the narrative that I think that is problematic is to suggest that, number one, that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women's sports," she said.

During Sunday's game, Reeve, who is known for her bold graphic tees supporting social causes, wore a shirt that read, "Trans Kids Belong."

Still, Cunningham drew boos from some in the crowd when handling the ball.

Michele Tafoya, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate and former sports reporter, made an appearance at Sunday's rally in support of Cunningham. Tafoya told the Minnesota Star Tribune, "I support girls and women in sports [and] I support them having their own sports."

Sunday's protest was the third such demonstration since Cunningham voiced her views in July. Jennifer Sey, founder of Denver-based apparel company XX-XY Athletics, has organized the pro-Cunningham rallies.

"Just a few years ago, we said if you felt unsafe, you should say it, 'Me Too,'" Sey, 57, said. "Now women are saying they feel unsafe, they want privacy, and they're told to be quiet."