Coming Out in Print

Billie Jean King
Issue 765-66, August 18, 1998
After dodging questions about her orientation for 17 years, the tennis legend spoke candidly and offered advice for young LGBT athletes considering coming out.

“It will help set them free when they do, but I also understand the circumstances surrounding them. They’re not put on earth to be martyrs for the cause; they have to want to come out. It depends on your own culture, where you work, where you live. Each person’s circumstances are unique, so I think it’s impossible to judge whether another person should come out. You just hope they will on their own time and own terms. And, hopefully, we’ll make the world a safer place so young people will feel safe to deal with their sexuality and whatever else.”