Billie Jean King: November 2007 Archives

I guess I won't be cancelling my subscription after all. A few issues back, Instinct magazine had included a photo of my hero, Billie Jean King, in its SPOTTED section - you know, the section where all the beautiful people are seen at parties etc - and the caption was completely derogatory about the 63-year-old icon. Why? Because she doesn't look like a chisled 28 year old dude? I was so pissed off and even more pissed that I didn't fire off a letter in protest because I really felt like it was a slap to a person who has worked so hard to make the world a better - and more equal - place for us all.

In the current issue, the magazine gets it right. They posted a large picture of Billie Jean in her prime, hitting a backhand volley (her favorite shot). The caption reads: SORRY BILLIE JEAN KING: One of the world's all-time greatest athletes, she's equally accomplished as a tireless advocate for women's and GLBT rights. Like a bad serve, we lobbed a mean joke her way this year, but luckily, cheap shots bounce off heroes.Well said.

I read earlier that the caption had been written by interns and I hope that they, and others who are in their 20s or younger learn about who the heroes in the world are - who have worked to make life easier for them whether its Billie Jean or anyone else who is no longer young and buff.

Everyone's gonna get old but not everyone can claim to have changed the world the way BJK has.