Renée Richards

Renee Richards, 1976

Renée Richards (born August 19, 1934) is an American ophthalmologist, tennis player, and transgender rights advocate. Born Richard Raskind in New York City, Richards underwent gender reassignment surgery in 1975, after a successful career as a male tennis player, and became widely known for challenging the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) policy of not allowing her to participate in the women's division of the US Open. Her case, Richards v. United States Tennis Association, was a landmark decision in transgender rights in sports, with the New York Supreme Court ruling in her favor in 1977. This allowed her to compete as a woman in the US Open and significantly impacted the policies regarding transgender athletes in sports.

Early Life and Education

Richards was born into a Jewish family in New York City. She excelled in tennis from a young age, playing in junior and college tournaments. Richards attended Yale University, where she was captain of the men's tennis team, and later graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She pursued a successful career in medicine, specializing in ophthalmology, while also competing in amateur tennis tournaments.

Tennis Career

As Richard Raskind, she had a notable amateur tennis career, including competing at the national level. After transitioning, Richards wanted to continue her tennis career as a woman. Her application to play in the 1976 US Open was denied by the USTA, which led to her landmark lawsuit. After winning the case in 1977, Richards competed in the women's circuit until her retirement in 1981. She reached the doubles final in the 1977 US Open and was ranked as high as 20th in the world in women's singles.

Legal Battle and Legacy

The legal battle Richards fought was pivotal in the fight for transgender rights in sports. The court's decision in Richards v. USTA challenged the existing norms and opened the door for more inclusive policies regarding transgender athletes. Richards has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights and has written about her experiences in her autobiography, Second Serve: The Renée Richards Story, which was later adapted into a film.

Post-Tennis Career

After retiring from professional tennis, Richards continued her medical career, becoming a renowned ophthalmologist. She also served as a coach for Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, helping Navratilova to achieve a high level of success in her career.

Personal Life

Richards has been open about the challenges she faced during her transition and the impact it had on her personal and professional life. She has one child, Nicholas, from her marriage prior to her transition.

Impact on Society

Renée Richards' story is not just one of personal triumph but also a significant moment in the history of transgender rights and sports. Her legal victory marked a turning point, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of transgender athletes. Richards' life and career continue to inspire discussions on gender identity, sports, and equality.