One of the best aspects of being single in today’s environment is that the world has become so much more inclusive. Know the names of the lesbian players in sports
It does seem difficult to comprehend, but in living memory, same-sex relationships were illegal in the developed world. Thankfully, the time has moved on (although lesbianism remains frowned upon in less-enlightened parts of the globe).
Another encouraging feature is the way girls attracted to girls are open about their feelings and now feature prominently in many fields. Sport is an excellent example of this. Let’s take a closer look into some of sport’s well-known lesbians and how single lesbians can use this knowledge to help with their own dating.
List Of The Most Famous Lesbian Sports Players And Names
Sexual orientation and sports nowadays
In the early 21st-century, people from all sorts of backgrounds are making their way into all walks of life, and these individuals are particularly noticeable in sports. How would you classify your own interests when it comes to relationships? Are you a female seeking a sporty girlfriend? Or perhaps you’re part of a couple seeking a woman to spice things up?
Your first port of call could be a digital matchmaking resource. Here, you’d be able to reach out to prospective partners via a discreet communication channel. Finding common interests to chat about, like your favorite sports, is always a great icebreaker. As you get to know other site users, you could be discussing lesbians who have risen to the peak of their game in tennis, on the athletics field, or in football or rugby parks. There’s quite an endless list these days!
How being a lesbian in sports was a problem earlier
We’ve focused on how lesbians are flourishing in every sporting arena. But it would be worthwhile reminding ourselves how this indicates the long struggle to overcome the odds. Sporting competitions have long been plagued by controversy, with commentators often criticizing the disparity in earnings between males and females. Compare the top prizes at Wimbledon, the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament.
Nowadays, the winning fee is balanced, but that has only been the case since 2007. Before that, male players would be presented with a substantially greater cheque. Society in general still suffers from same-sex relationships being stigmatized or regarded as ‘inferior,’ especially in the eyes of organized religions. These outmoded and discriminatory attitudes will inevitably linger with certain people.
Take the formidable former US tennis star, Billy Jean King. Winner of 39 titles during a glittering career, when she came out as a lesbian back in the 1960s, this did have an impact on her popularity. She may have been hugely successful, but she was never taken to the heart of the public to the same extent as the other American number one of her era, the ‘straight’ Chris Evert.
Top four lesbian athletes of all time
Martina Navratilova
Widely regarded as one of the best tennis players to ever grace the court, Navratilova was born in Prague in what was then Czechoslovakia in 1956. After turning professional, she went on to triumph in 18 Grand Slam singles competitions.
Together with success in doubles and mixed doubles matches, her total tally is a phenomenal 59 major championship titles, including reaching the Wimbledon final 12 times (with nine consecutive appearances between 1982 and 1990). Having lived in the USA since 1975, she has gone on to become an outspoken gay rights activist. You can check up on her career online and also keep an eye out on those rising stars set to attempt to match her success – although few are likely to come close!
Megan Rapinoe
Noted for her flame-red hair, Rapinoe is a professional US soccer player, currently performing as a winger and captain for OL Reign (based in Seattle), as well as the American national team.
Brittney Griner
Pro basketball star Griner is renowned as the only National Collegiate Athletic Association player to have scored over 2,000 points, as well as blocking 500 shots. She is especially popular with her fans for her no-nonsense attitude and lesbian-friendly tats.
Michelle Ferris
Winning a silver medal for the Women’s Sprint at both the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and the Sydney event in 2000, Australian cyclist Ferris has served as an ambassador for the Gay Games, a global event championing the LGBTQ community. She has become a figurehead for lesbian athletes in Australia, a country that has lagged where females coming out are concerned.
We have shone a light on some of the talented female athletes who have never allowed their sexuality to get in the way. They might have faced their fair share of negative comments during their quest to aspire to become one of the sporting world’s elite figures, but this has never stopped them. If anything, any adversity they have faced has given them more of an urge to succeed.
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