Casey Dellacqua has always had her eyes on the prize. She wanted to be a world-class tennis player and represent her country in the Olympics one day.

What she didn't want, was to be a poster girl for queer athletes around the world. She wanted it to be, justifiably, about her tennis.

But then, the media noticed she was playing less even though she was ranked very high. They started to ask questions.

The reason? She was at home with her partner, Amanda, who was pregnant with their first son. Casey was too excited to keep that information to herself, so she came out publicly for the first time with the whole tennis world watching.

Most of the press was extremely positive. Support poured in from around the world. But Margaret Court decided to write a letter in the newspaper lamenting a "fatherless generation" in response.

And although Casey never intended to be a spokesperson for the LGBTQIA+ community, she stood up for herself and her family and has since become a powerful advocate for queer athletes and parents around the world.

Follow Casey on Instagram: @caseydellacqua

Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare

Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com

If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you:

QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website au.mimecast.com/s/yVydCr81gOcnM45lSQ0VBB?domain=qlife.org.au">www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat

Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on au.mimecast.com/s/KnRgCvl1mVuL1rDziwuAeD?domain=minus18.org.au">www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.