1977 - Professional Transgender Athlete.
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Originally born as Richard Raskind, Richards captained the Yale University male tennis team. She then completed a full sex change operation in 1975. Following surgery, Richards competed on the professional women’s tennis tour but was banned from entry into the US Open, due to their women-born-women policy. She disputed the ban, and the New York Supreme Court ruled in her favour in 1977. She later went on to reach the 1977 women’s doubles final at the US Open, alongside partner Betty Ann Stewart. Richards is still the only person to compete in both the men’s and women’s draws at the US Open. She is also the first openly transgender professional athlete.
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The takeaway message from Renee Richard's story is that she challenged the status quo and created incredible change in the United States. She became the first professional transgender athlete by taking her case to the supreme court and winning. She should serve as an incredible inspiration for future generations of oppressed populations. Progress stems from people like Renee Richards who recognize faulty guidelines and dare to challenge them.
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.
-Jesse Owens