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The announcement came after Navratilova, 62, wrote a column for British newspaperThe Sunday Timesin which she argued that “the rules on trans athletes reward cheats and punish the innocent.” The op-ed was published last weekend.
Two days later, LBGTQ organization Athlete Ally — who says their mission is to “end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ equality” — said ina statementthat Navratilova had been removed from their advisory board and as an Athlete Ally ambassador.
“As an organization dedicated to addressing root causes of homophobia and transphobia in and through sport,” the statement continued, “we will only affiliate with those committed to the same goal, and not those who further misinformation or discrimination in any way. Given this, Navratilova has been removed from our Advisory Board and as an Athlete Ally Ambassador, effective immediately.”
Navratilova’sSunday Timescolumn argued that it would “not be fair” for her to compete against a transgender athlete.
She added: “It’s insane and it’s cheating. I am happy to address a transgender woman in whatever form she prefers, but I would not be happy to compete against her. It would not be fair.”
Athlete Ally added that this incident was not the first time that they had “approached Martina on this topic.”
In her op-ed, Navratilova referred to a tweet where she wrote, “You can’t just proclaim yourself a female and be able to compete against women. There must be some standards, and having a penis and competing as a woman would not fit that standard.”
Navratilova andher wife, Julia Lemigova, began dating in 2006. Navratilovaproposed in 2014at the U.S. Open.
On Navratilova’swebsite, she is referred to as “one of the first openly gay sports figures” who has spent her career “overcoming prejudices and stereotypes.”
“Since coming out in 1981,” the website reads, “she has been an inspiring and vocal advocate for equal rights and a strong supporter of many charities benefiting the LGBT community. She has received numerous awards from many of the most influential organizations within the LGBT community.”
A rep for Navratilova did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, while Athlete Ally declined to comment beyond the statement on their website.
source: people.com
