""It started with a text of five people saying, 'Oh, we're going to play every week. We're going to figure out a way to play. We're not losing you.'""
""Some people have gone as far as to quit the league and say, we're not being a part of this anymore.""
""That left trans players and allies with an empty space not to be able to come out on a Saturday and Sunday and be with their friends.""
""We really thought our turnout was going to be maybe 20 people who wanted to just get together and play.""
In response to the U.S. Tennis Association's ban on trans women in women's events, a group of Las Vegas tennis players formed a trans-inclusive league called Tennis with Friends. The ban was implemented following directives from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee. Valerie Witherspoon and Christine Delisle initiated the league to provide a space for trans players and allies, as many players distanced themselves from the anti-trans policy. Initial expectations for membership were low, anticipating around 20 participants.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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