Payton McNabb, a former high school athlete who suffered a severe injury during a volleyball game against a transgender player, has once again found herself at the center of controversy. This time, the issue revolves around her expulsion from her college sorority after she spoke out about a male individual using the women’s restroom at Western Carolina University. McNabb captured a video of the encounter and shared it on social media, which led to the sorority’s decision to remove her from the organization.
According to McNabb, she received a formal letter from Delta Zeta Sorority, stating that her actions were classified as “bullying” toward the transgender individual. The letter accused her of violating the sorority’s “Moral-Prejudicial Conduct” policy, asserting that the video was perceived as “dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, threatening, or likely to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress.” McNabb has strongly pushed back against these claims, arguing that she was merely standing up for the safety and privacy of women in female-designated spaces.
In a statement shared with her social media followers, McNabb expressed her disappointment in the sorority’s response. She noted that instead of supporting her concerns, Delta Zeta chose to prioritize the feelings of what she described as “a grown man living in a false reality.” She criticized the organization for failing to uphold its mission of empowering women and accused it of turning its back on her in favor of what she sees as a “lie.” McNabb passionately argued that advocating for the safety and privacy of women’s spaces should not be considered controversial.
The incident has sparked support from other women’s rights activists, including Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and vocal advocate for women’s sports. Gaines publicly condemned Delta Zeta’s decision, calling it a betrayal of the values of sisterhood and female solidarity. She expressed outrage that McNabb, who has already endured physical injury at the hands of a male competitor, was further punished for voicing legitimate safety concerns.
This situation highlights the ongoing and heated debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender individuals in spaces traditionally designated for women. As conversations around safety, fairness, and inclusion continue, McNabb’s story has amplified questions about how institutions balance advocacy for transgender rights with the protection of women’s interests — a topic that remains divisive and complex.