A Wisconsin teenager is receiving an outpouring of support online after sharing that she was allegedly bullied and harassed for speaking out against biological males competing in girls’ sports and using girls’ spaces at her school. The video has racked up millions of views on X and renewed conversations about transgender participation in female sports.
The teen, identified as 17-year-old Ella Frat from New Richmond, said her fight began after she learned of an incident involving the girls’ restroom at her school. “When my school let a biological male into the girls’ restroom without telling their parents, I went to the school board. With my name attached. In my own town,” Frat said.
The student claimed that speaking up at the time came at a huge cost. “I got bullied for it. Harassed online. And some of the teachers even encouraged the harassment [from] the students,” she said.
However, she added that despite all the negativity, she’s “still here.”
Frat, an athlete herself, maintained that the biological differences between males and females can be clearly seen in sports. She pointed to volleyball and said biological males can have physical advantages over female athletes.
“The net in women’s volleyball is set nearly a foot lower for a reason,” she said. “A biological male can hit a ball across that net with force that could seriously injure a girl.” She also argued that allowing biological males to compete in girls’ track events could easily push female athletes off the podium.
“I didn’t speak up because it was easy,” Frat said at the end of clip. “I spoke up because somebody had to. The Supreme Court is about to answer the question that every girl in America is asking. We’re ready.”
Netizens Rally Behind Wisconsin Teen
On X, netizens have praised the teenager for speaking out despite the backlash she said she faced. “Courage doesn’t need a crowd. It just needs someone like you, Ella, with conviction!” one commenter said. Another applauded, “Good job, Ella! Stay strong: you are in the right! We are living in bizarre times and you are showing the courage to stand for the truth.”
A third added, “It takes someone special to stand up for what is right,” while a fourth wrote, “Whether you ultimately win is important but that fact that you’ve learned to stand up for yourself is the bigger win. Good luck with the fight, I’m pulling for you.”
Some people were also frustrated that the conversation about women’s spaces was even a thing. “Men have no place in women’s sports and especially in their locker room. I can’t believe I’ve typed that as a real statement, and not sarcasm,” one person remarked. Another wrote, “It boggles my mind as to why dudes would insist on competing against girls but my hunch leans in the direction of some perversion. It’s ludicrous that this is your problem to begin with.”
Someone else said, “Women spent all those years fighting for equality and right to be heard and seen in society, now they’re having to fight for the right to play sports with biological females because certain people want to silence them.”
A comment even suggested female athletes stage walkouts. “Ladies it’s not going to be easy but start walking out just before the competition starts! Do it world wide and it will get their attention,” it read.
The Supreme Court is considering two cases involving state laws that restrict transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Reports say the decisions could have major implications for school athletic policies across the country and also shape how courts interpret federal protections against sex discrimination.
