Riley Gaines, the ex-collegiate swimmer turned advocate for safeguarding women’s athletics, has just unveiled a striking new clothing venture that’s stirring conversation.
This initiative, dubbed the “Be Bold” collection, dropped on Monday, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of Title IX, and aims to uphold the integrity of female sports. According to The Daily Wire, Gaines partnered with XX-XY Athletics to create apparel featuring slogans like “Title IX” and “Save Women’s Sports,” sending a clear message about her mission.
Gaines has been a vocal figure in the push to preserve women’s spaces in athletics from policies allowing transgender-identifying males to compete. Her collaboration with XX-XY Athletics, which started when the company launched in March 2024, reflects a shared commitment to maintaining fairness in female competitions.
The timing of the launch isn’t accidental—it’s a deliberate nod to the landmark law that has shaped opportunities for women in sports. Gaines used the occasion to pen an opinion piece for Fox News, emphasizing the law’s foundation. “Title IX was written to protect women based on biological sex—not self-identified gender,” she asserted, a point that cuts through much of today’s policy fog.
She didn’t stop there, questioning the broader implications of redefining this legislation. “And why does that matter?” Gaines asked, before answering, “Because growth in sports is about more than medals.” Her words remind us that athletics build character and leadership qualities, which are at risk if foundational truths are eroded by progressive reinterpretations.
Gaines further elaborated on the cultural stakes involved. “It’s about pushing ourselves mentally and physically, developing character, working hard, failing with grace, and winning with integrity,” she wrote. This isn’t just about trophies; it’s about ensuring future generations of women aren’t sidelined by ideological shifts.
Reflecting on changing attitudes, Gaines noted how the conversation around transgender athletes has evolved. “Three years ago it was not popular to say that men and women are different,” she observed. Now, with a brand boldly proclaiming this distinction, she believes it empowers others to voice what many quietly think.
XX-XY Athletics, founded by Jennifer Sey, a former gymnast turned textile executive, shares Gaines’ vision. Sey established the company in response to major brands like Nike and Lululemon embracing marketing tied to transgender influencers, a move she saw as misaligned with the reality of biological differences in sports.
Gaines hopes her collection will inspire a groundswell of support for protecting female athletics. “This collection is for real athletes who love America,” she declared, framing the apparel as a wearable stand for traditional values and fairness.
Turning to policy, Gaines praised recent efforts under President Donald Trump’s leadership to realign Title IX with its initial purpose. “The Department of Justice and the Department of Education have taken bold steps to restore Title IX to its original intent,” she noted. This, she argues, corrects years of deviation from the law’s core mission.
She didn’t shy away from critiquing past administrations for their handling of the legislation. “Under the Obama and Biden administrations, this landmark civil rights law was gutted in the name of ‘inclusion,’” Gaines stated. Such reinterpretations, she contends, have undermined the very protections the law was designed to guarantee.
Gaines elaborated on the consequences of these policy changes. “Democrats redefined Title IX to accommodate radical gender ideology, allowing men who identify as women to compete in women’s sports, access women’s locker rooms and displace the very people Title IX was meant to protect,” she argued. This, to her, is a direct betrayal of the law’s spirit.
The “Be Bold” collaboration, as described on XX-XY’s website, is more than fashion—it’s a statement. “The collaboration with Riley Gaines and Title IX represents a powerful stand for protecting women’s sports as they were meant to be—fair, female and grounded in truth,” the site proclaims. It’s a rallying cry for those who feel current trends have veered off course.
Gaines sees her apparel line as a way to galvanize action and awareness. “Title IX opened the doors for women in sport—and we’re not giving that up,” she insisted. Her message is clear: wear your convictions and stand up for the next generation of female athletes.
Ultimately, this launch isn’t just about clothing—it’s about reclaiming a legacy. Gaines and XX-XY Athletics are challenging a cultural tide they see as diluting hard-won gains for women. With wit and resolve, they’re asking supporters to don their principles and defend a fair playing field, one bold slogan at a time.
