Jennifer Sey’s story is one of standing strong in the face of backlash. A former top executive at Levi’s and a national gymnastics champion, she walked away from her corporate career to fight for what she believes in. Now, as the founder of XX-XY Athletics, she’s leading the charge to protect women’s sports from unfair competition.
Sey left Levi’s after speaking out against school closures during COVID. She refused to stay silent, even when pressured by her own company. This wasn’t her first battle. As a gymnast, she faced abuse in the sport and later exposed it in her book and a Netflix documentary. Her courage has always come with a cost, but she keeps pushing forward.
XX-XY Athletics was born from Sey’s belief that women’s sports must stay fair. The brand’s bold ads, like “You Can’t Speak. So Speak.”, call out companies like Nike for ignoring real issues. Sey argues that female athletes are bullied for wanting to compete against other women. Her company sells athletic wear that supports this message, blending style with a stand for truth.
Critics have attacked Sey’s mission. A San Francisco Chronicle article compared her “Save Girls’ Sports” shirts to MAGA hats, calling them hateful. But Sey fires back, saying biology isn’t bigotry. She points to polls showing most Americans agree with her. Even some LGBTQ athletes, like Martina Navratilova, back her call for fairness.
The fight isn’t just about trophies. Sey highlights injuries caused when males compete in women’s sports. A volleyball player in California lost her spot to a male teammate who rarely practiced. In rugby and MMA, women have been seriously hurt. Sey says ignoring these risks puts girls in danger—all to please a political agenda.
XX-XY Athletics is growing fast, hitting over $1 million in sales quickly. Despite bans on TikTok and backlash, the brand’s message resonates. Fans wear their gear to spark conversations, turning everyday folks into advocates. Sey believes this grassroots support is key to saving women’s sports.
High-profile allies like swimmer Riley Gaines join Sey’s cause. Gaines, who tied against a male swimmer, stars in XX-XY ads celebrating real female athletes. Their message is simple: women deserve their own leagues. With an executive order now protecting women’s sports, Sey says the tide is turning—but the fight isn’t over.
Jennifer Sey’s journey proves that speaking truth can change minds. From corporate boardrooms to gym floors, she’s faced harsh criticism but never backed down. For her, protecting women’s sports isn’t just about fairness—it’s about ensuring future generations of girls have the same chances she did. And that’s a fight worth having.
