Transitioning your tennis game to a woman player

[sarahc]

Hey there...one of my biggest fears about transitioning is actually tennis. I am a very active rec player and play in lots of USTA leagues.

However, I have some concerns, even post-transition, about fitting in and finding players to play with. I know that there are GLBT tennis clubs in a few cities, but unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be true in my town.

Anyone have experiences in how to keep up your tennis game post-transition? And if you do, how do like wearing cute tennis outfits? (I'm seriously looking forward to that )

Sarah

[Dena]

I don't have anything useful to contribute however on this topic you might find the battle of the sexes somewhat useful to think about.

[jkredman]

if your not aware of it, research the story of Renee Richards.

It might be melancholy, but she survived.

Kate


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Rayna]

Know the rules for gender definitions for your sport, in case of questions. Most sports have become pretty permissive.

At least in running, the presumed strength advantage of an AMAB (which does decline to female levels over time with E) is partially offset by the heavier frame (probably larger body and denser bones) which does not change. So in fact a MtF may be at a disadvantage relative to a cis female, counter to most people's assumptions (and biases that you may encounter).

Good luck, and I hope you can have fun with your game, and the outfits!

Sent from my Victor 9000 using Tapatalk

[LauraE]

This is actually one of my larger fears about transitioning and why I keep starting and stopping. I'm also an active player, and I fear both losing friends at my tennis club, and being whispered about behind my back. I so want to be accepted and play as a woman, but knowing I can't be passable is part of the problem. I hope you'll keep writing in this thread.

Laura

[sarahc]

It's really silly not to be able to play at the recreational level, when you think about it. But inevitably, many (but not all) girls are not going to be thrilled to play someone who is transitioning / has transitioned.

It's not just the tennis either, as you mention. Tennis could be a great way to develop closer relationships with other women...if they come out to play.

I'm still a ways away from this issue coming to a head for me, but I will post back here when we get to that stage.

[LauraE]

I'm a long way from 24/7, but as my breasts are beginning to grow and my erect nipples are more obvious, I'm having to wear a cami underneath my shirts for now....binders are in my future. I DO wish I could come out to the women in the club and be accepted, but I've read too many stories here of rejection. Tennis is my main outlet and connection to people, so fear of rejection is a stronger motivation for staying closeted.

[VickyMI]

I am in a similar position as Laura posted above. I play tennis and golf at private clubs where there is no way I could just transition and switch over to the female leagues. There would be way to much ridicule and negative talk behind my back by my male friends. Some of the woman would accept me into their playing groups but the overall embarrassment would be monumental.  I would be the "it" of the club membership.

The only way for me would be to leave both tennis and golf clubs and join different clubs in stealth mode.  A complete reboot.

BTW I have played golf and tennis many times as Victoria at public golf and tennis venues.  And yes the outfits are cute but I have to keep my arms covered due to my man muscles are easy tells.  You should try just showing up a public tennis facility and hit against the wall if they have one or practice your serve.  Sometimes groups show up and need a fourth or a single wants to hit or play a game.

[sarahc]

Thanks, Vicky...you're in exactly the situation as me, playing golf and tennis in private clubs, and I believe that I will unfortunately have to give up membership in my club, which is likely to be one of the major bummers of my transition (although it will save me lots of money that I can spend on transitioning).

Good point on the arms...my arms are kinda average for a guy, and I'm hoping HRT and weight loss will do some serious nuking of my arms. But in the mean time, I probably should get a tennis top to see how I look. It's actually not a bad outfit to test to see how far away I am from passing.