Royce White, Now Roysha, Declares for WNBA Draft

Roysha characterized the trans experience as one marked by historical oppression and systemic injustice, highlighting her specific identity as a Black transgender lesbian while disputing media narratives that question the legitimacy of trans women in sports.

Hosts Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff expressed full support for Roysha's transition and perspective, declining to offer personal opinions and asserting that non-trans individuals cannot fully understand her specific struggles.

Roysha suggested that others should cease attempts at empathy and instead simply listen, with the hosts characterizing their role as that of learning from a Black woman's lived experience.

The WNBA issued a statement emphasizing league values and rejecting 'bad faith' efforts, clarifying that no immediate eligibility changes regarding trans athletes were planned.

Roysha claimed the WNBA's rejection of her intent was harmful to trans people and identified herself as a 'pro-life Christian,' rejecting the league's critique of her faith.

She described the league's public response as 'tantamount to genocide,' stating that denying Black transgender lesbians is a severe act.

She claimed this transition cured many of her physical and mental health ailments, asserting that her hidden identity was the root cause of these problems.

She referred to herself as a 'beautiful black queen' emerging before the public, determined not to let negativity disturb her peace and energy.

Roysha formally introduced her chosen name, spelled R-O-Y-S-H-A, and clarified its pronunciation.

She argued that those who refuse to use her chosen name, particularly those who deny her identity as a woman and dismiss her transition as an act, are intentionally engaging in 'deadnaming' rather than making honest mistakes.

Roysha praised Sophie Cunningham's toughness and skills, expressing a desire to play on the same team as Cunningham despite their differing opinions on trans athletes in sports.

She identified the Indiana Fever as her preferred team, outside of her hometown Minnesota Lynx, which led the hosts to discuss how Roysha's size could benefit the Fever in protecting Caitlin Clark.

She identified herself as a versatile, tough-nosed defender and a willing passer, stating her commitment to doing whatever the team needs and highlighting her defensive focus as a 'lost art' in the modern game.

When asked by the hosts about her comfort with aggressive fouls, citing Sophie Cunningham's experience, Roysha acknowledged that basketball is a contact sport where players must be willing to take a hit.

However, Roysha argued that intentional targeting based on her trans identity would be 'transphobic' and therefore inappropriate.

Roysha critiqued a coaching philosophy that encourages hard fouls against star players, stating that coaches should always defend their key players.

She praised Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark as prominent figures in the league, asserting that Clark's impact has significantly elevated the entire WNBA.

Roysha suggested her own entry into the league would be beneficial for the WNBA by increasing viewership, ticket sales, and television ratings.

Roysha paid homage to pioneers who paved the way for cultural progress in the gender-fluid and trans community, including figures such as Juwanna Mann, Tyler Perry, and Robin Williams for his role in 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' also crediting RuPaul as an early pioneer for her identity.