Thanks to all commenting here and on FB. I've fixed a few typos, added the critical bit about falling in love thanks for Cupid Tennis. Appreciate all the comments, and your own reflections from that time if you are, like me, a former serious college player. When I was watching the terrific TV series, A League of Their Own, it all felt so familiar, especially the closet. Even without turning pro, that's how life and sisterhood and secret romances and the tacit racism and sexism of the 70s felt like in my tennis world. There was a lot to love, and a lot to hate, and fight. The pioneers of my time -- Martina, Billie Jean and Rosie, later Serena and Venus, Yvonne Goolagong--and importantly, Renee Richards -- were subjected to far more discrimination than any story can tell. I watched King Richard just before the semis, and thought: yes, yes, yes, that is how it felt and was, in central Florida, where we were dreaming tennis.
Thanks J. I didn’t realize the protection tennis afforded me to be myself and come out until I started thinking about how much has changed. The closet was so real and prejudice so high against LGBTQ players, I do think about how we all would have performed if that private fear of disclosure, which could end a career or sponsorships, was gone.
Oh what a spectacular way to start my Sunday! Your honest self-reflection and ability to capture those historical moments for yourself and the world (and those of us watching) make me weak in the knees, Annie. Love you, girl.
Thanks to all commenting here and on FB. I've fixed a few typos, added the critical bit about falling in love thanks for Cupid Tennis. Appreciate all the comments, and your own reflections from that time if you are, like me, a former serious college player. When I was watching the terrific TV series, A League of Their Own, it all felt so familiar, especially the closet. Even without turning pro, that's how life and sisterhood and secret romances and the tacit racism and sexism of the 70s felt like in my tennis world. There was a lot to love, and a lot to hate, and fight. The pioneers of my time -- Martina, Billie Jean and Rosie, later Serena and Venus, Yvonne Goolagong--and importantly, Renee Richards -- were subjected to far more discrimination than any story can tell. I watched King Richard just before the semis, and thought: yes, yes, yes, that is how it felt and was, in central Florida, where we were dreaming tennis.
Wonderful descriptions and full-circle memories; the road not taken still leads somewhere .
Thanks J. I didn’t realize the protection tennis afforded me to be myself and come out until I started thinking about how much has changed. The closet was so real and prejudice so high against LGBTQ players, I do think about how we all would have performed if that private fear of disclosure, which could end a career or sponsorships, was gone.
Oh what a spectacular way to start my Sunday! Your honest self-reflection and ability to capture those historical moments for yourself and the world (and those of us watching) make me weak in the knees, Annie. Love you, girl.