Back in January 2019 during a photo shoot leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Megan Rapinoe, forward and captain for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), spoke these words, “I’m not going to the f*ing White House.” Below is a video of her statement.
To give some background, four years ago, in 2015, the USWNT won their 3rd World Cup, the most of any country. President Barack Obama asked the women to come to the White House to celebrate. Everyone showed up, and there was no controversy.
As of Thursday, June 27, 2019, President Donald Trump responded to her comments via Twitter. A picture of his threaded tweets are below.
Rapinoe was supported by several of her teammates who also declared that they would not be going to the White House to celebrate upon winning a 4th Women’s World Cup.
Of course, there are plenty of comments going back and forth about free speech, civil rights, is political correctness, and division, but I feel it is necessary to share a few of my thoughts too.
I’m a fan of Megan Rapinoe. She is an amazing soccer player. She demonstrates selflessness on the pitch, which is clearly shown through her high assist count. In my opinion, she is the best crosser in the women’s game. She is constantly supporting her teammates by hustling to balls, getting back on defense, and displaying leadership well as a team captain. In fact, her jersey is the only USWNT jersey I own. The reason is partly because I was number 15 as a club player, but mostly because of her ability to make a lasting impact on every game she plays.
If you don’t know, Rapinoe is a lesbian, Trump has made it clear he doesn’t support homosexuality, and this is where the controversy begins. I’ll be honest, I believe homosexuality is a sin. It goes against what the Bible, the source of truth and the doctrine of my faith, says is true. However, never once have I thought of Rapinoe’s sexuality when analyzing her ability to play soccer so well. While it may be a part of who she is, it is in fact just one part. It is not her identity. I would also argue that no one is identified by one individual belief, besides Christians, but that is for another post.
So here’s a summary so far:
1) Rapinoe will not except an invite to the White House from Trump
2) Trump invited the USWNT regardless of a win or lose
3) Rapinoe is a lesbian
4) Trump is against homosexuality
Here’s my point: When did anyone ever tell you that we (every single person on Earth) have to agree on everything?
There are plenty of people in my country I don’t share the same values with. I also know that I don’t share the same beliefs as others in my immediate family. However, I still love this country and my family. I think it’s an enormous privilege to live in such a diverse place with diverse people.
The first amendment is what makes our country a beautiful place to live, but so does respect. And I know you or Rapinoe could probably come up with many instances of Trump being disrespectful towards the LGBTQ+ community. You may be thinking, “why does he deserve any respect, if he hasn’t given any out himself?”
But at some point enough is enough. Someone has to break the cycle. Someone has to forgive and forget, which is a lost concept in American culture (again another post). We all have differences and part of celebrating differences is celebrating conservative views as well as liberal views.
I know I can’t speak for every Christian out there, but I can speak for myself and so many others whom I know share my same beliefs. (I want to be clear: I’ve seen some terrible hate being spread by so called “Christians” towards many groups of people. I’m not ignorant. I know it’s happened and is happening.) We don’t want to fight with you. We want to love you right where you are at. That is the gospel. Love being given to others without merit because that’s what has graciously been given to us. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
So Megan Rapinoe, if you’re reading this, my request is that you keep growing the game of soccer in a way that shows respect to all people. People that have the same beliefs. People that give you hate and show disgust. People that are like me and show respect for you but hold opposing beliefs. Little girls who want to grow up to be like you and play soccer for their country.
Representing your country is a privilege that not many people get, and I hope you chose to represent your country just as you have been–by playing soccer proudly, boldly, and loudly. It doesn’t have to be broken down by one person. You don’t have to support Trump, you don’t have to like him, but everyone deserves respect.
I’d love to have a conversation about this below. Let me know your thoughts on Rapinoe, Trump, LGBTQ+ community, the USWNT, Christianity, or anything else. Let’s show how we can have a respectful conversation about hard topics.
On that note, today is USA VS FRA [3 PM (EST) kickoff on FOX and Universo; also streaming on fuboTV; and in case you haven’t heard, “Hulu has live sports”] in the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is going to be the best match up of the tournament. Please watch. Grow the sport of women’s soccer. Cheer on amazing female athletes. Cheer on your country.
I know I will! GO USA! ⚽️
Approved. 