Gabby Williams says she got death threats after backing trans athletes: ‘I’ll never stop fighting’
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 31: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center (Getty Images)
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams has said she received death threats and faced “security issues” after speaking up for trans athletes, but vowed she will keep using her platform.
Williams spoke on Monday at the Valkyries’ exit interviews at the team’s Sephora Performance Center practice facility in Oakland, where she reaffirmed her support for trans inclusion in sport and described the backlash she says followed earlier comments this season.
“I’ll continue to use my platform in that way, but it’s scary. Obviously, I was getting plenty of death threats. There (were) some security issues and stuff, and there were moments where I was like, how am I gonna play through all this?” Williams said.
She also credited the team’s fan culture for helping her through it, adding: “Ballhalla became my safe space. I’ll never stop fighting for those who maybe can’t fight for themselves in this moment,” before thanking supporters for creating an environment that “allowed me to be myself”.
Williams is a French-American professional basketball player known for her defence and versatility as a wing/forward. She played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, has played in the The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and in Europe, and has been a regular for the French national team at major international tournaments.
What did Gabby Williams say about trans athletes?
Williams’ remarks follow a moment earlier in the season that drew attention online. In May, when asked what issues LGBTQ+ players in the WNBA currently face, she replied: “trans rights is our new battle.”
At the exit interviews, Williams said she believes trans people’s rights are being “stripped away”, and argued that the debate around participation in sport is being used to target trans people.
“I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team anytime. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world,” she said. “It’s just another way to kind of attack trans people … So I guess that’s the next battle that we have to fight as athletes.”
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase also backed inclusion
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has also spoken in support of trans inclusion. “For me, sports is about belonging. It’s about inclusivity. It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self,” Nakase said on 2 August.
She added: “So I’m all about women, little girls deserving to play, and that includes trans women. So I’m all about inclusivity.”
