Pride, Progress and the Power of
Representation in Tennis

Tennis has always been more than a sport, it’s a stage for self-expression, a space for resilience, and a platform for progress. This Pride Month, we reflect on how far we’ve come in celebrating LGBTQIA+ athletes in tennis, while also recognizing how much further we can go: globally, nationally, and right here in Southern California.

The story of LGBTQIA+ representation in tennis cannot be told without honoring trailblazers like Billie Jean King, a Long Beach native whose impact extends far beyond the baseline. In the 1970s, King was already breaking barriers as a Grand Slam champion and tireless advocate for gender equality. Yet her personal journey as a closeted gay athlete during a time of limited acceptance was marked by emotional and professional challenges.

In 1981, King was publicly outed without her consent, a deeply painful moment that cost her sponsorships and support overnight. She later reflected on this difficult period: “The essence was I was outed, and at that time, I was still trying to find myself,” she said in an interview with Associated Press. “My poor parents are homophobic. I grew up homophobic, so you can imagine this challenge. I didn’t get comfortable in my own skin until I was 51 about being gay.”

Rather than retreat, King stepped into the spotlight with remarkable courage and resolve. Her bravery opened doors not only for LGBTQIA+ athletes but for all marginalized groups fighting for their rightful place in sport. Over time, she became not just a symbol of athletic excellence, but a fearless champion for LGBTQIA+ rights and social justice.

Her leadership helped normalize conversations about identity in sports and led to the founding of influential organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, which continue to promote equity and inclusion across all identities.

King’s influence is felt not only on the international stage but right here at home. From her work to increase access to sport for underserved communities in Southern California, to her continued support of inclusive spaces for athletes of all backgrounds, her legacy reminds us that tennis is most powerful when it stands for more than just competition.

In more recent years, athletes like Brian Vahaly, a former ATP top-100 player and now Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA, have continued the legacy of visibility for LGBTQIA+ athletes in tennis. Vahaly came out publicly after retiring from professional tennis, becoming one of the few openly gay men to share his story in a sport where male LGBTQIA+ representation remains limited. His decision highlighted the persistent stigma in men’s sports and sparked important conversations about masculinity, identity, and visibility in tennis.

In 2017, he publicly discussed being gay for the first time on the podcast of Sports Illustrated with senior writer and tennis expert Jon Wetheim.

Reflecting on his experience, Vahaly said, “It wasn’t until after I left the game that I really had to come full circle with myself, understand who I am as a person, where am I going, am I happy, and I had to come to terms with my sexuality and that was not easy, especially coming from a sports background.” He continued, “It was a long learning curve that I’m happy to be on the other side of now… The new normal is exciting and it’s great but it was tough to go through.”

As a father and advocate, he’s used his platform to raise awareness about the lack of inclusive narratives for male tennis players and to champion visibility for LGBTQIA+ families.

“Seeing that my marriage can be accepted and celebrated in the community and won’t be a problem [for my children] growing up is extremely important to me,” Vahaly said.

Internationally, current WTA star Daria Kasatkina came out publicly in 2022, describing the emotional toll of hiding her identity and the freedom she found in honesty. Her story resonated around the world and reminded us that authenticity fuels performance.

“So many subjects are taboo in Russia, some of them more important than ours, it’s no surprise. This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming one is ridiculous,” Kasatkina said to ESPN. “I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight. Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?” 

In December 2024, João Lucas Reis da Silva made history as the first active professional men’s tennis player to publicly come out as gay. The now 25-year-old Brazilian posted a birthday message to his boyfriend on Instagram, an act he didn’t think twice about, but it quickly went viral.

“This wasn’t the time I came out. I came out before that. About five years ago I told my parents, friends, coaches and players who I train with,” Reis da Silva told BBC Sport. “But I understand a lot of people who don’t know me didn’t know that. So the post was a big thing and created a big buzz.”

He added, “I’m not an activist, I’m just a tennis player who is gay. But if more men’s players came out as a result, that would be great.”

His quiet courage broke new ground in a sport where male LGBTQIA+ visibility remains rare, reminding us that authenticity, even when unintentional, can inspire change.

These stories matter, not just because they’re courageous but because they make tennis more human, more relatable. They show us that athletes are not just defined by rankings or records, but by their capacity to lead, to inspire, and to live authentically.

Visibility Starts with the Small Things

While icons like Billie Jean King shaped policy and headlines, creating welcoming spaces in tennis also comes down to small, everyday choices.

The language we use, like introducing ourselves with pronouns or referring to “partners” instead of “husbands and wives,” signals inclusivity. Clear signage indicating that a space is LGBTQIA+-friendly can immediately put players at ease. Coaches who wear rainbow wristbands or display Pride stickers on their clipboards send a quiet but powerful message: You belong here.

These seemingly minor details build trust, especially for young athletes who are still discovering and figuring out who they are. When those athletes walk into a tennis center and see that their identity is affirmed before a word is spoken, it’s transformative.

Coaches working with young players have a unique opportunity to set the tone and make a significant difference. One simple yet powerful tool a coach can use is to model inclusive behavior—correcting inappropriate comments from teammates and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. This support isn’t just vital for LGBTQIA+ athletes, but for anyone who feels different or marginalized from their peers. The most impactful thing a coach can do is foster acceptance among athletes, regardless of their differences.

“As a coach, it’s my job to help players grow into better athletes,” explained John Lansville, a member of the USTA Southern California DEI Committee, former Director of USTA Training Center-East & West, and USTA Player Services. “But just as importantly, to create an environment where every team member feels respected, supported, and accepted. No matter who you are, where you come from, or how you identify, you should feel welcomed here.”

Inclusive programming like all-gender doubles tournaments, Pride-themed match days, and outreach to LGBTQIA+ community centers further demonstrates that tennis isn’t just for some of us. It’s for all of us.

“True inclusion begins when every player feels seen, respected, and celebrated,” said Sammie Xiao, USTA Southern California Community Tennis Coordinator. “USTA Southern California’s commitment to embracing players of all identities isn’t just about tennis, it’s about building a community where diversity strengthens the game and acceptance shapes the future.”

SoCal Pride, On and Off the Court

Here in Southern California, we are proud to be part of a tennis community that embraces diversity and fosters a true sense of belonging, one that increasingly reflects the vibrant fabric of America. Organizations like the Los Angeles Tennis Association (LATA), the San Diego Tennis Federation (SDTF), and the Desert Tennis Association (DTA) are among the largest LGBTQIA+ tennis groups in the country, providing players of all levels with safe, welcoming spaces to compete, connect, and thrive. Through social leagues, tournaments, team events, mixers, Pride celebration events, and year-round community events, these clubs transform the court into a place of celebration, solidarity, and joy. These three associations are members of the Gay Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), which organizes over 70 tournaments around the world, promoting competition, diversity and acceptance.

Pride-themed tennis events, whether during major occasions like the US Open’s annual Open Pride celebration or local doubles mixers organized by inclusive coaches, underscore how joy and activism go hand in hand. Whether a player is picking up a racquet for the first time or competing at a high level, having a space where they feel safe, seen, and supported makes all the difference.

Representation in sports is powerful. When young athletes see someone like them succeeding in tennis, whether it’s a Grand Slam champion or a doubles partner at a local recreational league, it shifts what feels possible. It sends the message that they belong here, that their voice, their identity, and their presence matter.

At USTA Southern California, we believe the game is strongest when everyone has a place in it. That’s why we remain committed to championing inclusive programming, equitable access, and community partnerships that amplify diverse voices and foster belonging on and off the court. Because when players feel welcomed and represented, tennis becomes more than a sport, it becomes a home.

This Pride Month and every month, we stand with our LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate the courage, creativity, and spirit they bring to the game.

Get Involved

Want to connect with an LGBTQIA+ inclusive tennis group near you? Visit our Community Tennis page or check out LATA, SDTF, and DTA to find events, leagues, and volunteer opportunities.