Brooklyn Ross, aged 27 is an accomplished transgender tennis player who transitioned gender six years ago. Ross had been carving her path in the world of tennis since 2019, when she embarked on her college tennis journey. Hailing from Colorado, she had set her sights on competing in the women’s Wyoming Governor’s Cup.
In a saga marked by national upheaval, Brooklyn Ross has made a courageous choice to bow out of the Wyoming Governor’s Cup. Her decision is fueled by overriding safety concerns and a sincere commitment to prevent what she terms a potential ‘circus’ atmosphere. Ross’s entry into the event was akin to lighting a fuse, setting off a nationwide debate around transgender athletes in sports.
In a candid conversation with Cowboy State Daily, after opting to step back from the event, she opened up about her apprehensions, emphasizing her determination not to overshadow the tournament with protests and potentially jeopardize the safety of all participants, including herself.
In her own words, Ross stated, “It just became more and more apparent that the environment may have not been a typical tennis tournament with things getting out of control and people’s safety at risk, including my own.”
She expressed her genuine concern that the competitive atmosphere might veer into chaos and protests, eclipsing the essence of the sport. Her genuine intention to enjoy the game was eclipsed by the looming controversy, which only intensified when Jackie Fulkrod, the President of the Cheyenne Tennis Association, resigned in protest against Ross’s participation.
Why the President of the Wyoming Tennis Association resigned?
At the epicenter of the storm stood Jackie Fulkrod, the resolute President of the Wyoming Tennis Association, whose unwavering stance against Ross’s inclusion in the women’s singles category of the Wyoming Governor’s Cup resulted in her resignation. Fulkrod’s vocal opposition resonated loudly, compelling her to sever ties with her position.
Her stance was clear in the context of Brooklyn Ross. She ardently believed that biological men should not compete in women’s sports, and she remained steadfast in her conviction even after Ross’s withdrawal. Explaining her departure, Fulkrod asserted, “Regardless of the withdraw, I stand firm on my belief that biological men do not belong in biological women’s sports, and in this case specifically a women’s only draw.”
Her resignation testified to her own values. She voiced authentic concern for the safety and fairness of female athletes, fearing that the inclusion of a transgender athlete might undermine the integrity of women’s sports. She expressed discomfort over Ross using female bathrooms at Cheyenne Central High School, one of the venues hosting the Governor’s Cup.
The United States Tennis Association, which oversees the tournament, found itself pulled into the controversy. Tournament Director Peg Connor, when questioned about Ross’s participation, pointed to the USTA’s transgender policy, which emphasizes that tennis thrives when it embraces inclusivity, irrespective of gender identity.