Podcast Summary: Ep 341 | Supporting Female Athletes Shouldn’t Be Controversial | Guest: Jennifer Sey

Introduction

In Episode 341 of Kibbe on Liberty, host Matt Kibbe welcomes Jennifer Sey, the founder of XXXY Athletics, to discuss her athletic brand and her steadfast belief that “boys are different than girls.” Filmed live at Freedom Fest on July 23, 2025, this episode delves into the controversies surrounding gender distinctions in sports and the broader cultural implications.

Defending Gender Differences in Athletics

Jennifer Sey introduces her brand, XXXY Athletics, which champions the idea that biological differences between boys and girls should be respected, especially in sports. She states, “[...] boys cannot become girls. I know that’s hard to wrap your head around the thing we all believed 10 years ago” ([01:15]).

Sey emphasizes that while 80% of people agree with her stance, the remaining 20% have significant influence over institutions like media and sports governing bodies. “80% of people do agree with us on those very simple facts. And yet the 20% that does not have captured all of the institutions” ([01:15]).

The Riley Gaines Case Study

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Riley Gaines, a swimmer at the University of Kentucky who transitioned from male to female. Jennifer recounts Riley’s experiences, highlighting the challenges she faced, such as being removed from her running club and enduring online harassment. “[...] she was kicked out of her running club. She was told not to wear their jersey. The day before the marathon, she was stalked online” ([02:49]).

Matt questions the fairness of Riley’s treatment during competitions. “[...] when two people tie that some bureaucrat says, well, you get the prize?” ([11:52]). Jennifer clarifies NCAA rules, indicating that typically both athletes would share the podium, suggesting that Riley’s situation was handled improperly ([12:04]).

Simone Biles Controversy

The conversation shifts to Simone Biles, the renowned gymnast, and her involvement in the Riley Gaines incident. Jennifer explains that while Biles is celebrated for her athletic prowess—“she has seven Olympic medals” ([15:38])—her response to Riley Gaines was problematic. Biles publicly criticized Riley, calling her a “murderer” and a “fascist” for supporting traditional gender categories in sports ([17:15]).

Jennifer believes Biles’ actions were influenced by external pressures from the “woke trans mob,” leading to backlash from both sides and forcing Biles' sponsors to issue a poor apology ([16:56]). This incident, according to Jennifer, serves as a cultural tipping point that highlights the deep divisions over gender identity in sports.

Marketing and Branding Strategies of XXXY Athletics

Jennifer details the progression of her brand, now a year and a few months old, which has already garnered significant media attention. “[...] it’s doing exactly what I wanted it to do, which is it gives people who are maybe a little afraid to speak out in their hometown at their daughter’s soccer game. It gives them a way to do it” ([06:08]).

She explains that XXXY Athletics uses apparel to provoke conversations and provide a sense of community for like-minded individuals. The brand’s flagship product, a high-quality T-shirt with the slogan “Real girls rock. Real women rock,” serves as a unifying statement for supporters ([37:31]).

Guerrilla Marketing and Community Building

Drawing parallels to classic brands like Levi’s, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in marketing. She shares her experience at a Spartan Race, where attendees proudly wore XXXY Athletics gear, reflecting the brand’s growing influence. “[...] people want to wear the logo to say what they believe. My friend Jamie Reed, who was a whistleblower [...], she saw people wearing our T-shirt, and she knew she had friends there” ([35:29]).

Matt adds that such grassroots interactions are crucial for building a loyal customer base. The brand’s presence at events traditionally not associated with libertarian or conservative thought, like music festivals and obstacle races, demonstrates its expanding reach ([36:40]).

Cultural Impact and Future Plans

Jennifer aspires for XXXY Athletics to become a mainstream athletic brand that competes with giants like Nike and Lululemon. She emphasizes that the brand is not just a business but a movement aimed at restoring what she calls “common sense” in gender distinctions. “[...] it's becoming a uniform of common sense” ([35:27]).

Looking ahead, Jennifer plans to continue participating in relevant sporting events and expand the brand’s influence through strategic marketing. She believes that as more people wear XXXY Athletics apparel, the cultural conversation will shift towards broader acceptance of her stance on gender differences. “I want to influence the cultural conversation. I want to make it cool to stand up and say girls and women deserve their own sports and spaces” ([37:02]).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Matt and Jennifer, underscoring the importance of dialogue and community in advancing their shared values. Jennifer reiterates the significance of maintaining spaces where biological women can compete and feel safe, advocating for third categories where necessary. “[...] girls and women need to feel comfortable and safe. I mean, that's my priority, certainly” ([27:43]).

This engaging and thought-provoking episode of Kibbe on Liberty offers listeners a deep dive into the contentious debate over gender in sports, the strategies behind building a like-minded community, and the broader implications for cultural change.

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer Sey on societal agreement: “80% of people do agree with us on those very simple facts. And yet the 20% that does not has captured all of the institutions” ([01:15]).

• On Riley Gaines’ harassment: “She was kicked out of her running club. She was told not to wear their jersey” ([02:49]).

• Discussing cultural tipping points: “I think that she humiliation of women. I really do think that's part of it” ([13:06]).

• On brand mission: “We want to make high quality products. It’s made ethically. We don’t make anything in China” ([35:33]).

• Jennifer’s vision: “I want to influence the cultural conversation. I want to make it cool to stand up and say girls and women deserve their own sports and spaces” ([37:02]).

Listen to the full episode on Blaze Podcast Network’s Kibbe on Liberty to gain more insights into the ongoing discussions surrounding gender, sports, and cultural dynamics.