Lana Lawless, Transgender Woman Sues LPGA: Photo

Lana Lawless, a Transgender Woman and Athlete, is Suing the L.P.G.A, Long Drivers of America, Dick's Sporting Goods and Re/Max and CVS

Lana Lawless says that the requirement that competitors be 'female at birth' in order to compete in the L.P.G.A violates California civil rights law and she is now suing the organization and a few related organizations.

• Lana Lawless Photo
  

Lawless had gender reassignment surgery in 2005 according to the New York Times and won the women's world championship in 2008. She was a police officer before she decided to get the surgery.

After winning in 2008 however, the Long Drivers of America changed their rules to match those of the L.P.G.A - that you had to be a woman by birth. Lawless tried to ask permission to apply for the L.P.G.A, but a tour lawyer said that she would be turned down.

Neither the L.P.G.A, nor the Long Drivers of America have commented on the lawsuit because they say they have not seen it.

The L.P.G.A has always had the same rules, even if other sports organizations have changed theirs.

Lawless says that just because she used to be a man, does not mean she has an advantage over born-female competitors, as her hormones and muscle strength are in line with those of a woman.