Must Reads
Martina Navratilova was one of the very first athletes to come out publicly when she made her big announcement in 1981. After 33 years of fighting for LGBT equality, Martina (because she has hit "Cher" and "Madonna" status) was finally able to wed the woman she loves, tying the knot with longtime girlfriend Julia Lemigova on Monday.
I met Navratilova and her new bride Julia Lemigova in a room at the Peninsula hotel in New York, just moments after the tennis legend had said "I do". Their delight was evident.
So how does the nine-time Wimbledon winner feel a few minutes into her new role as wife? Terrified and really odd are the initial reactions and then a slightly choked, "I'm 58 years old, and I got married for the first time. It's about time, right?"
Martina popped the question at the US Open earlier this year. She is one of the few big-time athletes to legally marry in the United States. Johnny Weir wedded his husband (now ex-husband) a couple years ago. Dale Scott got married in Palm Springs last year.
Big congratulations go out to Martina and her very lovely bride!
Since Martina, other prominent female pro tennis players have come out including Wimbledon champ Amelie Mauresmo. In an exclusive interview, Martina reiterated what she's said for years, that she doesn't even know any gay male pro tennis players.
"I'm surprised more players haven't come out," Navratilova told the BBC. "Particularly no male players. They're so far in the closet, I don't even know who they are."
