Ahead of Wimbledon 2025, the tennis legend and lesbian icon once again spoke up in support of trans athletes
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE OF ILANA KLOSS AND BILLIE JEAN KING VIA INSTAGRAM (@BILLIEJEANKING)
Billie Jean King is one of the greats when it comes to the tennis world. She is perhaps most known for famously winning the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match against Bobby Riggs. Throughout her career she has been an advocate for gender equality in sports, and has used her platform to speak up for the rights and inclusion of all women.
Back in 2020, Billie was among more than 170 current and former athletes in women’s sport who signed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of trans women and girls playing sports. Megan Rapinoe, Candace Parker, Becky Sauerbrunn, Meghan Duggan, Katie Sowers and Layshia Clarendon were also some of the signees.
“There is no place in any sport for discrimination of any kind,” Billie stated. “I’m proud to support all transgender athletes who simply want the access and opportunity to compete in the sport they love.”
“The global athletic community grows stronger when we welcome and champion all athletes – including LGBTQI+ athletes,” she added.
And now, ahead of Wimbledon 2025, Billie weighed in on the exclusion of trans people in sport, telling The Telegraph that “the whole thing’s a nightmare”.
“I don’t think people have any idea of how hard it is for trans people. Just listen to their stories. Listen – not tell them,” she said. “Everyone is unique. Make them feel included because you really don’t know.”
“With every person I meet, I try to start with a blank. Ask questions. If I weren’t doing this interview with you, I’d be bugging you with a lot of questions,” she added.
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