Event

Renée

In Person: Filmmaker ERIC DRATH

Thursday, April 26 at 7:30pm
Members: $9 / Public: $13
Includes Reception

A champion athlete, ladies' man and stellar academic, Richard Raskind was living every man's
dreamexcept he wished he was a woman. He struggled his entire life to repress his fantasy
of living as Renée, the woman trapped within him who screamed to get out. Richard found
diversions in young ladies, sports, and his time in the U.S. Special Forces. While in the service, his love and skill for tennis lead him to
widespread acclaim in the amateur circuit, but nothing could assuage his deep desires to become Renée. Finally, in his 40s, when he was
married with a son, Richard transitioned into the person he knew he truly was, Renée Richards. This inspiring documentary tells the
heroic story of Renée's journey of self-acceptance. Her presence in the women's tennis circuit caused a scandal that lead to her legal
battle with the U.S. Tennis Association. In the 1977 Women's Open Cup, she was the first ever transgender player, a major milestone in
transgender awareness. She then became well-known as the coach of tennis champion Martina Navratilova. Sadly, Richards' prominent
public visibility severely damaged her relationship with her son, the dearest thing to her heart, which she is desperately working on to
this day. This must-see for documentary-lovers includes interviews with tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and John
McEnroe. If you need inspiration that any dream is possible, Renée's extraordinary approach to life will make you believe. Kylie
Minono (USA, 2011, 79 Min., color, Blu-ray)