Tennis legend and Lesbian icon Billie Jean King is speaking out for transgender athletes — and asking the world to listen more than lecture. In a wide-ranging interview with The Telegraph ahead of Wimbledon, the 80-year-old queer trailblazer emphasized the importance of empathy and inclusion.
King said,
“I don’t think people have any idea of how hard it is for trans people…Just listen to their stories. Listen — not tell them. Everyone is unique. Make them feel included because you really don’t know.”
Her remarks come as trans athletes, especially trans women, face rising attacks from Donald Trump’s political allies and Republican-led states. King, a lifelong advocate for social justice, won her first Wimbledon title at age 17 in 1961 and has collected 20 Wimbledon championships over her storied career. She made history in 1973 with her “Battle of the Sexes” victory and helped secure equal prize money for women at the US Open. From trans inclusion to global engagement, King continues to lead with wisdom — urging sports and society to meet each moment with courage, compassion, and conversation.
