Originally Published: October 3, 2011
Renee Richards still inspiring
By Christina Kahrl
ESPN.comhttp://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7054897/christina-kahrl-renee-richardsThe life of tennis player and ophthalmologist Renee Richards, formerly Richard Raskind, is chronicled in the documentary "Renee," which debuts Tuesday night at 8 on ESPN.
If you're a transsexual -- as I am -- Renee Richards needs little introduction.
If you're a tennis fan, you may remember her crusade to play with other women in the U.S. Open, which she did in 1977.
But for most Americans, sports fans or not, Richards may be a dimly remembered figure, if at all.
Happily, the documentary "Renee" provides an important reminder of Richards' role as a crucial pioneer, not just within sports but also in society.
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Renée Richards' life goes beyond tennis
As the documentary 'Renée' comes to ESPN, its subject, famous for her legal battle to play as a woman in the U.S. Open, is busy practicing ophthalmology.
By Meredith Blake, Special to the Los Angeles Times
October 4, 2011
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-renee-richards-20111004,0,2557155.storyReporting from New York ——
Renée Richards would prefer you didn't call her an activist.
Thirty-five years ago, Richards became an unofficial spokeswoman for the transgender movement when her legal battle to play as a woman in the U.S. Open garnered headlines across the globe. After nearly three decades of relative obscurity, Richards is now the subject of "Renée," a documentary premiering Tuesday on ESPN.
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Television review: 'Renée' on ESPN
The documentary on transgender former tennis player Renée Richards is a fascinating glimpse into shifting social norms, gender, public opinion and the difficulty of being held up as a symbol.
By Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times Television Critic
October 4, 2011
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-renee-review-20111004,0,2128289.storyThose shocked by the inclusion of Chaz Bono on this season's "Dancing With the Stars" would do well to check out the ESPN documentary "Renée" — there is nothing new under the sun, not even transgender individuals taking center stage in a national competition of athletic prowess.
From childhood, Dr. Renée Richards, born Richard Raskind, seemed destined for an extraordinary life, though none could guess it would include competing on the women's professional tennis circuit after having gender reassignment surgery at age 40.
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Renee Richards: ESPN Films Probes Story of Sex-Switching Tennis Player
By Zack Pumerantz
(Featured Columnist) on October 3, 2011
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/876394-renee-richards-the-legacy-of-transgender-tennis-star-featured-on-espn-filmsIt's a story of perseverance, of a shy, yet determined tennis player who refused to say no to a cynical and skeptical society.
In a world full of refusal revolving around a straight-laced way of life, Renee Richards fought the odds and provided her fans and supporters with hope and inspiration.
A transgender athlete, Richards—formerly known as Richard Raskin—was barred from playing in the 1976 U.S. Open because of a supposed women-born-women policy.
