When ESPN’s Halftime Joke at the WNBA All-Star Game Backfired
At this year’s WNBA All-Star Game, there was a surprising moment during halftime—not on the court, but on the mic. ESPN host Elle Duncan cracked a joke that got a big reaction:
“We hope it gets a little bit more competitive. Because like a girls’ trip to Cancun… right now, there’s no D.”
Yep. She really compared the lack of defense in the game to a cheeky joke about a girls’ trip and sex. Social media blew up—some people laughed, some cringed, and others called it out.
For many in the Lesbian+ and Women’s sports communities, it felt like yet another example of how Women’s sports get turned into punchlines instead of being taken seriously.
Why This Matters
Let’s be real: Lesbian and Queer Women athletes are the heartbeat of women’s sports. From Sue Bird to Brittney Griner to young queer girls hooping in high school, we show up and show out. And when we do, we deserve to be respected.
Even when it’s “just a joke,” comments like this shape how people see women’s sports. They either reinforce tired stereotypes—or help break them down.
What Queer Media Can Do
At Your Lesbian World, we’re not here to cancel Elle Duncan. We’re here to raise awareness.
We believe in humor, style, and smart commentary—but we also believe jokes should celebrate the athletes, not make light of their hard work. We want sports commentary that’s clever and powerful—not one that reduces an entire game to a Cancun joke.
Because when a queer woman watches the WNBA with her partner, her kids, or her chosen family, she deserves more than a cheap laugh. She deserves coverage that uplifts our community.
Words matter. TV coverage shapes culture. If we want a future where Lesbian+ and Queer Women athletes are celebrated, we’ve got to speak like it, write like it, and broadcast like it.
So yes, bring the halftime energy. Just make it smart, strong, and rooted in respect—for all women.
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With love and fire,
Your Lesbian World / LesbianEarth
Great post, and so true. I am extra sad that the joke came from a woman 🙁 If women don’t even take women’s sports seriously, how can we expect anyone else to? Let’s support each other ladies, always!!!