Billie Jean King Day: A Star For A Legend Who Changed The Game
A pioneer, a legend, and a star. Now etched in stone, Billie Jean King’s legacy shines brighter than ever on Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.
Yesterday, Billie Jean King was honored with the 2,807th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—becoming the first female athlete to receive a star in the Sports Entertainment category. It’s fitting that the city of Hollywood has officially named it Billie Jean King Day, recognizing her not just as a champion on the court but as a trailblazer for women, LGBTQ+ people, and anyone who’s ever been told to stay in their lane.
The ceremony took place at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard and featured heartfelt speeches from her friend Jamie Lee Curtis and “Magic” Johnson. King’s star honors her work beyond the court, including her role as an executive producer of the 2023 PBS documentary series Groundbreakers, which celebrates women in sports and their impact on culture. This moment adds to her long list of accolades: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and now, a Hollywood Star.
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For many of us in the queer community, Billie Jean King has always been more than a sports icon. In 1981, she was publicly outed as a lesbian, becoming the first female professional athlete to be open about her sexuality. The fallout was swift and brutal. She lost all of her endorsements overnight. But instead of folding, she stood tall. “I wanted to live my truth,” she said. And she did.
Her long, loving partnership with Ilana Kloss (now her wife) has been a quiet, steady force behind her public battles. Together, they’ve built not just a life, but a legacy of activism and courage. When asked about what fuels her fight, Billie often replies with powerful, lasting words:
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
“Pressure is a privilege.”
“I wanted to use sports for social change.”
And she did. Again and again.
This star on the Walk of Fame is more than just a sidewalk tribute. It’s a mark of permanence for a woman who made sure we could live out loud. It’s a reminder that when you push back against the tide of discrimination, you change the direction of history. A reminder we need now more than ever.
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As she stood before the crowd in Hollywood, receiving her honor with humility and joy, King represented everything we celebrate in a lesbian icon: authenticity, resilience, grace under fire, and an unshakable belief in equality. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, exemplifying the power of authenticity and perseverance.
So on April 7th, now known as Billie Jean King Day in Hollywood, we don’t just celebrate a tennis legend. We celebrate a champion who made room for all of us at the table, on and off the court. And for that, we are forever grateful.
