Dr. Renée Richards, a pioneering figure in tennis, made headlines in 1977 when she sued for the right to compete in the women’s draw of the US Open after transitioning from male to female. Her legal battle was notably backed by controversial attorney Roy Cohn, known for his role in the red scare and later mentoring Donald Trump.

In her new biography, Finding Renée Richards: The Groundbreaking Story of Tennis’s Trans Pioneer, author Julie Kliegman explores the significance of this lawsuit, which, while groundbreaking for Richards, did not set a broader precedent for trans athletes. Kliegman, a trans and non-binary sports journalist, reflects on how the dynamics of inclusion have evolved over the past fifty years, noting that hostility towards trans individuals in sports has intensified.

Through extensive research, including interviews with Richards, now 92, Kliegman reveals the complexities of her subject’s life. Richards, who believes that trans women should not compete in women's sports unless they have not undergone male puberty, has experienced a shift in her views since her lawsuit. This tension in perspectives highlights the ongoing debate around trans rights in athletics.

Richards, born Richard Raskind, faced significant challenges in her early life, including bullying and confusion over her gender identity. After a tumultuous journey, including a marriage and a sex-change operation in 1975, she emerged as a successful competitor in women’s tennis, reaching the finals of the US Open doubles.

Despite her achievements, Richards faced hostility from some competitors and was supported by tennis legend Billie Jean King, who ultimately advocated for her inclusion on the tour. After her tennis career, Richards returned to her medical practice but faced personal tragedy with the loss of her son, Nicholas, to suicide in 2019.

Kliegman’s work not only chronicles Richards’s remarkable journey but also reflects on the evolving landscape of trans rights, especially in light of recent political climates, revealing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the discussion of trans athletes in sports.