Martina Navratilova embraces notorious 'TERF' label in radical comment on women's safety issues

Martina Navratilova was recently labeled a trans-exclusionary radical feminist or TERF by a critic. However, instead of lashing out at the critic's labeling of her, Navratilova embraced it and reiterated her stance on the raging debate surrounding women's sex-based spaces.

On Thursday, December 26, Martina Navratilova chimed in on a fierce argument on X (formerly Twitter), which revolved around transgender individuals' access to women's spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms. One user, via a long series of posts, opined that transgender individuals using women's spaces shouldn't be much of an issue. However, Navratilova countered the user, writing:

"You don’t get to tell women what they should be comfortable with . Trans identified males are not welcome in women’s sex based spaces. Stop telling us what we should or should not be doing about it."

A little later, another user joined the debate and labeled Martina Navratilova a TERF.

"Terfs don't speak for the majority of women, and especially not the majority of lesbian and bi women. We are impacted by legal transphobia and misogynist "binary sex." We clearly see transphobia is a Right wing wedge issue meant to break up LGBTQIA+ political coalition," the user wrote.

Navratilova embraced the user's labeling in her stride and referred to herself as a TERF soon after. The Czech-American tennis legend opined that TERFs like her enable women's voices to be heard.

"TERFs like me speak for the women who can’t speak for themselves- and those women and girls do NOT want male bodies in their spaces. Speak for your self. You might be ok with males in the women’s locker room. Good for you. Many are not ok with that. For obvious reasons," Navratilova replied.

Navratilova firmly believes that transgender individuals shouldn't be granted access to biological women's sex-based spaces. The former World No. 1 and 18-time singles Major winner has also been one of J. K. Rowling's fervent supporters as the author faces flak for voicing sentiments similar to those of Navratilova.

"There is absolutely mindless about J. K. Rowling" - Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova (Source: Getty)

Earlier this month, author J. K. Rowling came under fire from feminist journalist and author Naomi Wolf on X. Wolf lashed out at Rowling over what she perceives to be the latter attacking transsexual individuals. Martina Navratilova took notice of the criticism and clapped back at Wolf, writing:

"Except that is not at all what JK has been doing. I think you simply don’t know enough about the issue… Protecting women’s sex based spaces should be a no brainer yet here we are- putting male bodies(no matter the surgeries and hormones etc) and their feelings over those of women…."

Another X user proceeded to join the argument and lambasted Rowling. The user accused the author of "mindlessly hating trans people". Navratilova once again lent her support to Rowling.

"There is absolutely nothing mindless about JK Rowling- ever. Try again with your mindless attack," Navratilova wrote.

The Czech American, a fierce critic of Donald Trump, has also taken a swipe against the President-elect for seemingly downplaying the issue of transgender individuals accessing women's spaces.