In 1977, Richards sued to play in the US Open after transitioning. Now she supports bans on trans athletes in womens sports. A new biography explores a complex legacyIt was a story that dominated tennis headlines back in 1977: Dr Renée Richards, an ophthalmologist who excelled as a male amateur player before a sex-change operation, was suing for the right to play in the womens draw of the US Open. Where did Richards go for legal assistance? None other than Roy Cohn.Better known for prosecuting ...
Finding Renée Richards: the complicated past and present of a trans sports pioneer
The Guardian - 14 Oct 2026 10:00
In 1977, Richards sued to play in the US Open after transitioning. Now she supports bans on trans athletes in womens sports. A new biography explores a complex legacyIt was a story that dominated tennis headlines back in 1977: Dr Renée Richards, an ophthalmologist who excelled as a male amateur player before a sex-change operation, was suing for the right to play in the womens draw of the US Open. Where did Richards go for legal assistance? None other than Roy Cohn.Better known for prosecuting ...
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