Counterprotesters Surround XX-XY Shirt Protesters at Reign Match

A small anti-transgender protest at a Seattle Reign FC game drew counterprotesters who blocked the group's view of the match.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Soccer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a tall flag-pole silhouette rising above empty stadium seats under an overcast sky, rendered in deep red and cream. — Counterprotesters surrounded a small group wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts at a Seattle Reign FC match against Orlando, blocking their view of the game. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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During a Seattle Reign FC match against the Orlando Pride, a handful of spectators revealed XX-XY Athletics shirts at the start of the second half. Counterprotesters placed trans-pride flags around the group in the Keep section, obstructing their view of the game.

Why it matters

The protest was tied to a Pierce County sheriff who organized it by email but did not attend, and the XX-XY Athletics brand's stated mission centers on keeping transgender women and girls out of women's sports. The episode adds to a broader local debate over transgender participation in women's athletics.

Seattle Reign's Jordyn Bugg scored the game's only goal in the 68th minute, and the match stood scoreless through the first half. The stub does not report any further attendance or viewership figures for the match.

The players

Keith Swank

Pierce County Sheriff who organized the protest by directing people via email to buy tickets and reveal XX-XY shirts, but did not attend the match himself.

Seattle Reign FC

Seattle-based professional women's soccer club that hosted the Orlando Pride at Lumen Field during the protest and counterprotest.

XX-XY Athletics

Clothing brand whose stated mission centers on keeping transgender women and girls out of women's and girls' sports, which was displayed by the protesters.

The details

Two men in the Keep section and at least two people in another section wore XX-XY Athletics shirts at the start of the second half. Security staff did not remove anyone involved in the protest or counterprotest during the match, and counterprotesters followed the protesters out of the stadium afterward.

Oct. 23: A similar protest involving Brandi Kruse and XX-XY shirts took place at a Portland Thorns FC match.
Nov. 3: Washington voters considered Initiative 638 in the statewide election.
Sunday: The Seattle Reign FC versus Orlando Pride protest and counterprotest took place at Lumen Field.
Monday: Sheriff Swank's spokesperson told The News Tribune that he could not attend the match.

Season Trajectory

The protest coincided with Washington voters weighing Initiative 638 on Nov. 3, placing a local women's soccer match inside a statewide debate over transgender participation in girls' and women's sports. A similar demonstration had already occurred at a Portland Thorns FC match on Oct. 23, indicating a pattern of coordinated actions at women's professional soccer games in the region.

Fans attending Seattle Reign FC matches may encounter organized protests or counterprotests in the stands, which can affect sightlines and seating choices. The Reign's Jordyn Bugg scored the game's only goal in the 68th minute, a reminder that match outcomes can hinge on a single moment.

The takeaway

Attendees at public sporting events can expect that organized demonstrations may occur, and understanding the sponsoring organization and its stated aims can help readers interpret such events. Checking a stadium's fan conduct policies before attending is a practical step for anyone planning to attend a match.