By Paula Bistagnino. When Mía Fedra started playing tennis at the Village Club in Adrogué at age 8, the Gender Identity Law wasn't even a proposal. She began competing, did very well, and had a promising future as a professional. But at 16, she decided to begin her transition, and that wasn't compatible with the sport. "So I put down the racket and picked up the cleats," she laughs. A few years ago, after obtaining her female identity document, she reversed course: she changed the makeup of Mía Doll—her drag and artistic persona for the evening—and put her sneakers back on to step onto the tennis court. She started training, competing, and in a short time reached fourth place in the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT) ranking. "I'm happy to be back. Because I love playing tennis and I love competing, but also because I believe this is something that has to start happening, and it's my turn to be the first in tennis, just like there are already other girls in hockey."

-What was it like playing tennis as a child?

"I started when I was 8. My parents had sent me to taekwondo, but I didn't like it. I just wanted to play with dolls. But the Village was near my house, and I could see them playing through the fence. It was Gabriela Sabatini's heyday, so I asked to play tennis. I started competing right away, and by 14 I was already number 25 in the national ranking." Tennis was where I had the least problems. While I was bullied at school, at the club they treated me well. Especially when I started, Tennis was like a breath of fresh air. Because what mattered was how I played; nobody cared about my sexual orientation anymore, because I was an athlete. They cared about nothing more than how he played. And he played well.

-When did you decide to quit tennis?

–When I was 16 or 17, the last time I played as a boy aiming for high-level competition was when I stopped. That age was crucial. I quit then because I started focusing more on my transition than on tennis. And I started hanging out with people who shared my interests. It was a complete revolution. Because I was also very worried about what I was going to do after I finished high school. Imagine, if there are no jobs now, it was even worse back then. I was worried about finding something that aligned with my identity because I had already decided I didn't want to live like that anymore. But at the same time, I didn't even dare to get breast implants because my parents warned me it could be more difficult.

Photo: Claudia Miranda

-Did you always have the support of your family?

My parents were always there for me. But it wasn't easy, because they also faced a lot of criticism because of me. They tried to keep me from being too aware of what was happening outside. And at the same time, as I grew into adolescence, they started suggesting a less complicated path, one that would make things a little easier for me. For example, they recommended that I study hairdressing or makeup; professions where I would be better accepted.

-Did you feel the decision to step away from tennis?

-Yes. Because things started getting kind of "heavy" in my teens. But not because of discrimination, but because of the sport: I was skinny and I played against huge guys. I was kind of androgynous when I played. And also when I lived. I was searching. And then I focused on finishing school and starting to connect with other trans people. So I started going to clubs and that's where I met the drag queens of that time and my artistic godmother: Ihona Tempura. And I started working with them as Mia Doll. which I still am. I've always had an artistic streak, partly inherited from my parents, who are both very creative people: my dad paints and my mom makes ceramics. And there I found a bit of myself too.

-Did you decide to return to playing after the Gender Identity Law?

-Of course. Because after my transition, I continued playing tennis, but I had few opportunities. Even before the law, I completed my tennis coaching certification with a male name and male instructors, but as a girl with blonde hair! And they were really nice to me. Obviously, they teased me about my hitting style, but they respected me as a player. Because I had a feminine playing style. So, with the law, I changed my coaching diploma and could start thinking about competing again. I wouldn't have been able to play in women's football without the law. And I like to compete. In fact, while I was training to be a teacher, I kept competing in men's games even though I was getting pelted with balls.

Photo: Luciana Pedicone Lewin

-Did you have any problems getting into the Argentine Tennis Association?

–Not at all. I went, showed my ID, and asked what I could play. They explained it to me, I signed up, and I started. They welcomed me warmly. In 2014, I entered the rankings and went back to training hard. I started losing until I found my rhythm: first, I reached the quarterfinals in tournaments, then the semifinals, the finals, and I started winning. Now I'm fourth in the national ranking for the Seniors category (Women Over 30). I am the only one in Argentina and I believe that today, worldwide. At the end of the year, the four best performing teams play against each other. My goal is to play internationally this year. But I don't know if I'll be able to.

-Would you like to compete internationally?

"I hadn't thought about it, but last year they made me fill out a form and it seems that possibility exists. So now I want to go for it." I would love to be the one who changes the history of women's tennis in that. There was already a trans woman, (Editor's Note: René Richards) who is my idol, but it was a scandal because it wasn't known that she was trans. I want to enter as what I am: a trans woman.  ]]>