Taking a page from the Bud Lite handbook on how to cause a boycott, iconic surf brand Rip Curl has faced public outcry after featuring a trans-identifying male surfer in its women’s campaign. Meanwhile, Bethany Hamilton, renowned professional surfer, outspoken Christian and former brand ambassador for Rip Curl, has been vocal in her opposition to males competing in female sports.
The controversy ignited when Rip Curl Women showcased 44-year-old Sasha Lowerson, a trans-identifying male, on its Instagram page as part of the “Meet the Local Heroes of Western Australia” campaign. Lowerson, who transitioned in 2021, had previously competed professionally in the men’s division under the name Ryan Egan.
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Hamilton’s stance against men competing against women led to Rip Curl parting ways with her as a sponsor. In a post on X, Hamilton asserted, “Male-bodied athletes should not be competing in female sports. Period.”
Male-bodied athletes should not be competing in female sports. Period.
— Bethany Hamilton (@bethanyhamilton) January 29, 2024
Rip Curl faced a swift and substantial backlash, prompting the brand to disable comments and eventually delete the controversial post. This followed Hamilton’s departure from the brand, allegedly over her opposition to trans-identifying males participating in women’s sports.
Last year, Hamilton posted a video expressing her concerns about the World Surf League’s decision to allow transgender competitors in the women’s division. “This concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in the World Surf League events for the past 15-plus years,” Hamilton stated. “I think many of the girls currently on tour are not in support of this new rule, and they fear being ostracized if they speak up.”
Hamilton’s advocacy inspired a “Boycott Rip Curl” campaign on social media, prompting the brand to quietly backtrack. In response, Rip Curl posted a video featuring real women in bikinis to promote its swimwear line, seemingly acknowledging the controversy.
In Genesis 1:27, the Bible addressed gender, saying, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This foundational biblical truth highlights God’s intentional creation of humans as distinctly male and female.
Straying from this biblical understanding, as witnessed in debates about gender identity and participation in sports, is seen as a departure from God’s design and is driven by a spirit of rebellion seeking to turn people away from their Creator.
In light of these discussions, Christians can turn to Deuteronomy 22:5: “A woman must not wear man’s clothing, nor is a man to put on a woman’s clothing. For all that do so are abominations to the Lord your God.” This verse illustrates God’s intent that men and women are different by design, each with a unique plan and purpose.
Deviating from these biblical principles can result in spiritual, mental and physical consequences. Increasingly, people who have undergone irreversible surgeries and chemical castrations are coming forward and sharing heart-breaking testimonies about how they were lied to.
The facts are irrefutable: there is a biological difference between men and women, and it is impossible for one to become the other.{eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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