Renee Richards: Reaction to ESPN Films Documentary Shows Debate Still Rages

A lot has changed in the United States since Renee Richards became a household name in the mid-1970s.

Given the reaction to ESPN Films' documentary about the tennis player's rise to fame after undergoing sex reassignment surgery, though, there might be some truth to the phrase, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Christina Kahrl, also a transsexual, wrote a review of the piece for ESPN.com about the treatment of Richards following the biggest decision of her life.

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"But 'Renee' ends uncomfortably, as well it should, because as with any transsexual's life, there's a question of the cost, for Richards as well as others. Richards' present-day relationship with her son gets treated with an unsentimental even-handedness that might make uncomfortable anyone inclined to canonize or condemn her as a public figure, parent or person."

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Kahrl goes on to discuss Richards' impact on the world of sports and how much she impacted the fight for equality. While the review is well-written and showcases both the positives and negatives Richards' quest, the real story can be found on the article's comment page.

As of the writing of this article, there are more than 100 comments, ranging from appreciative to barbaric. There will never be an issue where everybody in America completely agrees. Quite frankly, there is a growing divide in our nation that makes compromise less likely than ever.

That said, sports are usually different. When you're at the stadium or hanging at a bar, politics usually take a back seat. It doesn't matter if you're a hardcore liberal or a die-hard conservative, both sides can cheer for the same team.

The Richards debate shows that isn't always the case, however.

A lot of the commenters to Kahrl's article are disappointed Richards is being given widespread praise for doing what she did more than three decades ago.

And while nobody will ever take their freedom to make those remarks away, it's interesting to see how disgruntled people can become over a documentary.

Whether you agree with Richards' life choices or not, you have to respect her courage to stand up to the proverbial bullies. Remember, if people never stood up for their rights, the United States wouldn't be the country it is today.

Acceptance is a slow process, and reaction to the Richards documentary makes it clear transsexuals still have a long fight ahead in the battle for social equality.