We Are Failing Female Athletes with Jennifer Sey

In this episode of Let's Get Naked, Anne Karber sits down with former U.S. National Champion gymnast Jennifer Sey for a candid conversation about one of the most debated issues in modern athletics: how to preserve fairness in women's sports while navigating a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Drawing from her experiences as an elite athlete, filmmaker, executive, and founder of XX-XY Athletics, Jennifer shares why she believes protecting women's athletic opportunities requires courage, honest conversation, and a willingness to speak up—even when it's unpopular. Rather than avoiding controversy, this episode examines the values at the center of the discussion: fairness, opportunity, and the future of girls' sports.

Whether listeners agree or disagree with every viewpoint presented, the conversation encourages thoughtful dialogue around an issue that continues to shape athletics, education, and society.

Women's Sports Were Built To Create Fair Competition

One of the central themes of this episode is the purpose behind women's athletic divisions.

For decades, female athletes fought for greater access to competition, scholarships, funding, and recognition. Those opportunities helped create pathways for generations of girls to compete at every level, from youth sports to the Olympic stage.

Jennifer argues that preserving female athletic categories is fundamentally about maintaining competitive fairness and ensuring those opportunities remain available for future generations.

The conversation asks listeners to consider not only today's debates, but also the history that made women's athletics possible in the first place.

Courage Often Means Speaking Up When It's Difficult

Jennifer's story is one of repeatedly choosing conviction over comfort.

From speaking publicly about abuse within elite gymnastics to advocating for issues she believes affect female athletes, she has consistently chosen to voice her perspective despite significant personal and professional consequences.

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that meaningful change rarely begins with consensus.

It often begins with someone who is willing to ask difficult questions, challenge accepted narratives, and participate in conversations others would rather avoid.

Whether in sports, business, or everyday life, courage often requires accepting that not everyone will agree with you.

Protecting Opportunity Requires Honest Conversation

Another major theme throughout the episode is the importance of open dialogue.

Conversations surrounding fairness, inclusion, and athletic competition have become increasingly polarized, making many people hesitant to share their perspectives.

Anne and Jennifer encourage listeners to resist the temptation to shut down difficult discussions.

Instead, they advocate for thoughtful, respectful conversations that focus on principles rather than personal attacks.

When people are willing to listen, ask questions, and engage respectfully, there is greater opportunity to better understand complex issues and search for solutions that serve future generations.

Silence rarely resolves challenging topics.

Constructive conversation creates the possibility for progress.

Cultural Change Starts With Individual Action

The discussion also highlights the role individuals can play in shaping the future.

Parents.

Coaches.

Athletes.

Community leaders.

Each has an opportunity to participate in conversations, support young athletes, and advocate for the values they believe are important.

Jennifer emphasizes that lasting cultural change is rarely driven by one person alone. It grows when ordinary people decide that their voice matters and choose to participate rather than remain on the sidelines.

Whether through community involvement, education, or simply having respectful conversations, individual actions have the power to influence broader cultural conversations over time.

The Future Belongs To Those Willing To Lead

At its heart, this episode is about leadership.

Leadership requires making difficult decisions, standing by your principles, and engaging thoughtfully even when the conversation becomes uncomfortable.

Anne and Jennifer encourage listeners to think critically, stay informed, and remain engaged rather than allowing fear of disagreement to prevent meaningful dialogue.

No matter where someone stands on this issue, the conversation offers a broader reminder that progress depends on people who are willing to lead with conviction while treating others with respect.

Because the future of any generation is shaped not only by the policies that are written—but by the courage of the people willing to have the conversations that matter.