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ProfessorGAC

(72,265 posts)

3. I Remember It Very Differently

Reply to DemocratSinceBirth (Original post)

Sun Mar 30, 2025, 01:44 PM

Mar 30

I recall a major controversy over this.
"Nobody complained" is not how I would describe it.
To whit:

...Some USTA members felt that others would undergo sex change to enter women's tennis.[4][7] Sports Illustrated called Richards an "extraordinary spectacle", and characterized reactions to her as "varying from astonishment to suspicion, sympathy, resentment, and more often than not, utter confusion."[7] The USOC stated "there is competitive advantage for a male who has undergone a sex change surgery as a result of physical training and development as a male."[7][19] Richards finally agreed to take the Barr body test. The test results were ambiguous. She refused to take it again and was barred from play.[7]

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Highlight:

Renee Richards played pro tennis in the 70s and no one complained [View all] DemocratSinceBirth Mar 30 OP

No one complained? Jim__ Mar 30 #1

The courts ruled in her favor AZProgressive Mar 30 #2

I Remember It Very Differently ProfessorGAC Mar 30 #3

We went through the 80s-2010s without anyone really making a big deal about it AZProgressive Mar 30 #4

Huh? ProfessorGAC Mar 30 #5

Sorry for the misunderstanding AZProgressive Mar 30 #6

Yup--but there were complaints.. Still, she was a first in many ways. hlthe2b Mar 30 #7

But trans people were also being left to bleed out by laughing EMTs, and, were unhirable. Oneironaut Mar 30 #8

Trans people were not safe. Gays were leftyladyfrommo Mar 30 #9

She was in her 40s when she was playing against younger women. She herself acknowledged the following: Midwestern Democrat Mar 30 #10

Bobby Riggs was 55, to King's 29 alarimer Mar 30 #11