he came out in 1980 when very few public figures were open about their sexuality. Martina Navratilova (born October 18, 1956 in Prague) is a Czech American tennis player and a former World No. 1. Billie Jean King said about Navratilova in 2006, "She's the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived."

In 1981, shortly after becoming a United States citizen, Navratilova came out publicly about her sexual orientation. During the early 1980s, she was involved with author Rita Mae Brown. From 1984 to 1991, Navratilova had a long-term relationship with partner Judy Nelson. Their split in 1991 included a
much-publicized legal wrangle. Navratilova was featured in a WITA (Women's International Tennis Association) calendar, shot by Jean Renard with her Wimbledon trophies and Nelson's children in the background.

Martina was with her partner Judy Nelson for eight years. When they broke up in 1991, Nelson sued Martina for $15 million. The media had a heyday and eventually the two settled out of court.

Martina filed a lawsuit against Colorado's anti-gay Amendment 2 in 1993. She also spoke at the National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights that same year.
Martina is involved with the Rainbow Endowment, a philanthropic organization that gives money to gay and lesbian causes.

Martina also donates her time to several animal rights and environmental groups including People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Sierra Club and The Retirement Home for Horses.

Martina's quote about getting older: "You can do great things regardless of your age if you just believe and, you know, go for it," she said. "Don't get limited by people that say, 'No, you can't do that because you're too old or because you're heavy or you're not an athlete.' Whatever your limitations might be, don't let them define you. I didn't let it define me."

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