The Toronto Tempo, a WNBA team, has faced widespread criticism after introducing new mascots featuring non-traditional pronouns. According to Wednesday’s announcement, the team unveiled Dez, a snapping turtle using she-them pronouns, and Dot, an arctic hare with she/her pronouns.
Online reactions have been sharply negative, with critics labeling the decision “woke trans garbage” and accusing the team of targeting fans who support women’s sports without males. The controversy intensified during Tuesday’s game against the Indiana Fever when Tempo supporters relentlessly booed star guard Sophie Cunningham—a move that has drawn attention to Cunningham’s public opposition to male players in women’s leagues.
Social media users have dissected the mascots’ identities, with some describing Dez as having “butch energy” and speculating about a potential lesbian relationship between the characters. Others condemned the team’s choice outright, stating it is “disgusting,” refusing to bring their children to games, or calling it “easily the worst mascots I’ve ever seen.” One user wrote: “This is fking humiliating.”
When asked about the mascots’ relationship status, the Tempo clarified only that Dez and Dot are “besties.”
