Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California. She made an impact on both the world of tennis and the fight for gender equality. Throughout her career, she achieved a total of 39 major titles, including an impressive 20 championships at Wimbledon.

What truly sets King apart is her unwavering dedication to advocating for women’s rights in tennis. She played a role in forming a tour for female players and securing vital commercial sponsorships. Through these efforts, she set standards for female athletes.

One iconic moment that symbolizes King’s commitment to gender equality is her “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. This match transcended sports boundaries as it became a symbol of the fight for rights between men and women. It showcased King’s bravery and determination to challenge norms.

Beyond her contributions to gender equality within sports, King also demonstrated courage outside of the tennis court by acknowledging her homosexuality in 1981. By doing this, she became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while facing adversity and even losing endorsement
contracts due to societal prejudices. However, King embraced her identity without hesitation or compromise and used her influential platform to drive social change.