Julie Kliegman's FINDING RENÉE RICHARDS w/ Gia Drew
About this Event
“FINDING RENÉE RICHARDS offers a fascinating account of an important and often overlooked figure in American sports and culture. Julie Kliegman tells the story with impressive research, vivid writing, and searing honesty. A timely and timeless book.”
—Jonathan Eig, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for King: A Life
Celebrate the Maine launch of Julie Kliegman's latest book with a conversation between the author and Gia Drew, the Executive Director at EqualityMaine:
"FINDING RENÉE RICHARDS: The Groundbreaking Story of Tennis’s Trans Pioneer by GLAAD award-nominated sports journalist Julie Kliegman tells the groundbreaking story of professional tennis’s first openly transgender player.
This candid and definitive biography delivers a comprehensive look at an American icon, featuring a twenty-page insert of never-before-seen archival photos and untold stories nearly lost to history.
Fifty years ago, Renée Richards made international headlines in her fight to compete in the women’s draw of the 1977 US Open. She marked a major milestone as the first trans athlete to sue for the right to participate in professional sports in her identified gender category. After securing a historic legal victory, Richards competed at the highest level. Although she lost in the first round of the singles tournament, she and her partner successfully reached the doubles finals, ultimately falling to Martina Navratilova and her partner.
FINDING RENÉE RICHARDS chronicles Richards’s extraordinary life well beyond the court. Kliegman traces her journey from a tumultuous upbringing in Queens, New York, to her highly successful career as an eye surgeon. Now in her nineties, Richards remains a remarkably complex figure. She changed the athletic world forever, yet she actively questions the place of trans athletes in sports today. Kliegman deftly probes these contradictions, offering critical reflections on what is at stake for athletes, fans, and the queer community.
With FINDING RENÉE RICHARDS, Kliegman tackles a highly timely and sensitive topic. As America sees a rise in debates over gender-based policies at all levels of competition, this book provides essential historical context through the lens of a true pioneer."
Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM). $7 for Mechanics' Hall Members, $10 for General Admission, no one turned away for lack of funds at the door.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Kliegman, (they/them) is a writer and editor with work in outlets including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post, Slate, Bookforum, The Ringer, Defector, Texas Monthly, Vulture, and The Verge. They are a regular guest on podcasts including You’re Wrong About and Hang Up and Listen. Kliegman has been copy chief at Sports Illustrated and copy editor at The Ringer. They have also taught journalism to undergraduates at the New School. Their first book was Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes. Kliegman lives in Queens, New York.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER
Gia Drew, (she/her), is the Executive Director at EqualityMaine, whose mission is to protect and advance full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers by creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement, and collaboration. Gia has been with EqualityMaine since starting as a volunteer on the 2012 Marriage Equality Campaign. During her time at EqualityMaine, she has led efforts to increase as well as defend protections for LGBTQ+ people and their families, particularly for trans people. She also has provided education to thousands across Maine about supporting LGBTQ+ people in schools, the workplace, social service agencies, advocacy spaces, and state government, to name a few. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including as Board President of MaineTransNet, the Maine Advisory Board to the US Commission of Civil Rights, and as Board Chair of Equality Federation, a leading national LGBTQ+ organization. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Maine Health Access Foundation, Maine’s largest health foundation. She has been has been recognized for her work with LGBTQ+ youth and with addressing sexual assault in Maine. Gia became the first out transgender person to run for the state legislature in 2020 and was elected to represent Maine’s 1st Congressional District at the National Democratic Convention in 2024.
Born and raised in the Boston area, Gia was a K-12 art teacher and coach for two decades, and has called Maine home for more than 26 years and lives in Portland. During her time as a teacher, she transitioned on the job, becoming one of first out transgender public school teachers in Maine and the first transgender coach in the country. While no longer a competitive distance runner or triathlete, she remains an active cyclist when the weather cooperates.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.
Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs.
Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St.
ACCESSIBILITY
To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline.
A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom.
If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 40.25
