Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has been very vocal in her opposition to the inclusion of trans athletes in sports. Time and time again she has made her stance very clear on the issue. Another tennis icon, Chris Evert, also shares her dear friend Martina’s views. The only player who has openly spoken in support of the inclusion is none other than Billie Jean King.
Social media has become the hotbed of discussion around this topic. Navratilova has never shied away from speaking her mind, even if it meant she had to field criticism. However, she has found support in her old friend, Chris.
In a recent discussion on social media, a fan expressed their disappointment that none of the other tennis legends like Chris, King, and Steffi Graf supported Martina. The 18-time Grand Slam champion responded, saying Chris has always supported her, while Billie supported the inclusion. “Billie- well, she is for inclusion. Go figure,” she wrote.
Chris is giving me support, you got that one wrong. Steffi is not involved at all. And Billie- well, she is for inclusion. Go figure🤷🏼♀️
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 6, 2023
Martina is one among many others who want transwomen to be excluded from all-female spaces. Her views are not just limited to sports though. Navratilova has even criticized actor Daniel Radcliffe for stating that transwomen are women.
Chris Evert also joined the discussion herself. Evert stated that she has always prioritized fairness in women’s sports, which is why she is on Martina’s side. Navratilova responded by thanking Chris for her unwavering support always.
You have always supported me- even in the 80’s when being an out lesbian was most definitely not a good thing- and I thank you:)
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 7, 2023
Billie Jean King‘s views are a stark contrast to Martina Navratilova’s views. King has always supported the inclusion of transwomen in sports, even if it meant going against others.
Billie Jean King’s opinions drastically differ from that of Martina Navratilova
In their prime, both King and Navratilova were the players to beat. Both of them have done a lot to further women’s tennis, even after they retired from the sport.
King and Navratilova are icons in their own right and openly identify as lesbian. But they both represent the fracture within the sporting, as well as the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to trans individuals. While King supports the inclusion, Navratilova is strongly against it.
Billie has previously commended the USTA and the US Federal Court of Appeals for their policies. While Martina strongly disagreed, “Trans youth deserve to play and thrive,” said King (via Marca).
Transphobia has unfortunately become more rampant in recent times. Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King’s statements underscore the importance of having an open dialogue.