Human Progress

So, tonight, I'm watching the dedication of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center before the first game of Andre Agassi's last run at the US Open. (okay, okay - in the interest of full disclosure, I was killing time before Anthony Bourdain comes on.)

But, I'm glad I did. First - it is on one hand amazing that the National Tennis Center is named for a woman when human males seem to dominate the for-pay sports. But, on the other hand, it isn't so amazing that she was the woman selected. In truth, Billie Jean King has done more for American Tennis - on and off the court -- than any other American tennis player - male or female.

Also, I found it amazing that humans have evolved to the point that in her speech, Billie Jean King could acknowledge her long time partner, and even identify her as that. Even ten years ago, I suspect that if such a mention were made - the details would not have been spelled out. Bravo! humans.

I remember when I was at university, I had two advisors for a project. They both were highly educated women who were also lesbians. In the course of working with my project, they realized that although they had never met, they knew each of the other's partners. I was dumbstruck by how they remained "in code" even in a private meeting where everyone in the room "knew the score."

I'm so pleased that progress has been made. Being able to openly refer to one's main squeeze is one of the joys of being in love. It's harsh to have to hide a great love.