2 days Ago By Max Stephens
Martina Navratilova has said she is on the “right side of history” after calling transgender athletes “cheats”. Navratilova, the nine-time Wimbledon champion and BBC commentator, has come under fire in recent years for arguing that people who are born male should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports events. On the eve of this year’s tournament, Navratilova, 67, made it clear that such online abuse will not sway her beliefs.
At a press conference with her former arch-rival Chris Evert, 69, who is marking the 50th anniversary of her first Wimbledon singles title, Navratilova said: “I’m right on most people’s opinion about women’s sex-based spaces, and especially sports. They need to stay female.” Navratilova, a gay rights activist and equality campaigner, admitted the online backlash from transgender activists has been “pretty rough” and claimed she had been “jettisoned” by many LGBT groups.
“I’ve been speaking my mind for a long time. I’m not going to change that. Yes, it’s been pretty rough,” she said.
Martina Navratilova watches the action at Wimbledon’s Centre Court last year. Credit: AP “But I know I’m on the right side of history. Women are asked to be kind and be inclusive, yet by including transgender-identified males in women’s sports, you’re excluding women.
” Navratilova’s comments on Sunday echo those made by Sue Barker, 73, the former British No.1, who has backed a ban on self-identified trans women compet.
