The Phoenix Mercury, a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), recently invited a 7-year-old child to perform during their halftime show. The child, identifying as genderless, wore makeup and a dress, leading to a wave of reactions across social media platforms. While some praised the team’s inclusivity, others expressed strong disapproval, accusing the organisation of promoting a particular ideology.
Phoenix Mercury invites a 7-year-old ‘genderless’ child during halftime
On October 19, 2025, the Phoenix Mercury invited a 7-year-old child to perform during their halftime show. The child, identifying as genderless, wore makeup and a dress, leading to a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
During the halftime entertainment, the young performer captivated the audience with a dance routine. The child’s appearance, featuring makeup and a dress, was part of the team’s efforts to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
🚨WTF?
WNBA Phoenix Mercury team invited a 7-year-old ‘genderless’ child which appears to be a boy in makeup dressed as a little girl on the court to dance & perform during the halftime show.
How is this legal?
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) October 19, 2025
While some praised the team’s inclusivity, others expressed strong disapproval, accusing the organisation of promoting a particular ideology.
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The invitation has sparked a significant debate online. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), some users lauded the Mercury for their progressive stance, applauding the representation of non-binary identities. However, most users criticised the decision, arguing that it was inappropriate for a child and accusing the team of pushing a “woke” agenda.
“Boy or girl, the amount of makeup, eyelashes, fake nails, midriff showing, and hair dye is DISGUSTING for any parent to do to a 7-year-old child to parade them around & force them to dance for the world. Investigate parents & do a child welfare check asap,” one user remarked. “GROSS. “This child has been sexualised with the false lashes and long nails, etc., which is inappropriate for girls and boys!” another said.
One user noted, “I think this shouldn’t even enter a 7-year-old’s realm of existence. I pray this gets out of elementary schools, kids’ TV programming and other things. God bless, I think this is wrong.” “How does a 7-year-old decide to be genderless?” one questioned.
Who is the ‘genderless; child?
The child at the centre of this controversy is Ren, a 7-year-old from Japan who identifies as ‘genderless’. Ren’s Instagram account, @genderless_ren, boats over 19,200 followers and features a colourful grid filled with expressive photos showcasing long lashes, nails, and vibrant outfits.
( Image credit : Instagram/genderless_ren | The ‘genderless’ child is also a popular Instagram figure )
The account also hints that Ren often partakes in dancing gigs and has also featured in a music video. The account has garnered attention for its bold fashion choices and messages of self-expression.
( Image credit : Instagram/genderless_ren | Ren’s Instagram is a vibrant showcase of bold makeup and trendy fashion. )
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury’s choice to feature Ren during their halftime show has sparked debates about gender identity and self-expression. While the team aimed to celebrate inclusivity, many argue that the controversy is less about gender and more about whether a young child should be exposed to so much makeup, fashion, and adult-style self-expression at such a young age.