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An Exceptional Season with Monaco Basket Association

The Monaco Basket Association is on the brink of an unprecedented achievement, aiming for promotion to the premier division of French women’s basketball. Among the standout figures in this success is Julie Tétart. The transgender professional player is not only the top scorer but also the leading rebounder of her league, consistently delivering outstanding performances. During our interview, she reflected on her journey, her development, and how she balances athletic ambition with personal authenticity.

Today, Julie Tétart asserts that she feels completely fulfilled. She shares that she is “very happy” and “at peace with herself.” This sense of tranquility extends to her integration within the team, where human connection is paramount. This personal and collective harmony translates directly to the court, where she plays a pivotal role in the club’s historic season.

A Gradual Self-Realization

For a significant part of her life, the basketball player did not experience this sense of peace. From a young age, she sensed a disconnect without being able to articulate it. “From the age of five or six, I began to realize something was wrong within me,” she recalls. At that time, a lack of information made it difficult to identify her feelings.

In her teenage years, with access to the internet and a better understanding of herself, she recognized her experience as one of transidentity. This marked the beginning of a long personal journey, filled with questions, doubts, and an increasing clarity about her desires for her life.

Coming Out and Its Consequences

In October 2021, Julie Tétart took a significant step by publicly revealing her identity. This was a challenging decision, partly due to the potential reactions from those close to her. She explains that for a long time, she tried to fit into societal expectations, but to no avail.

The responses were mixed: some people offered unwavering support, while others cut ties. A third, quieter group gradually distanced themselves after initially accepting her. This reality underscores the deeply personal nature of coming out, often accompanied by familial, social, and professional stakes.

Basketball as a Foundation

During this challenging period, basketball remained a crucial anchor for Julie, who describes it as “her entire life.” However, at the time of her coming out, she chose to put her career on hold, aware of the challenges that transgender women face in sports.

She then focused entirely on her transition, undergoing significant administrative and medical procedures. Over the course of 18 months, she had several surgeries and followed hormonal therapy. She highlights the exhausting nature of this period, both physically and psychologically.

A Gradual Return to the Professional Level

Despite this pause, her passion for basketball did not wane. The 2024 Olympics and the performances of French teams rekindled her desire to return to the court.

Initially considering an amateur-level comeback, she found encouragement from clubs she contacted to aim higher. Following several trials, she turned to agents, quickly securing an opportunity with the Monaco Basket Association. After a successful friendly match, she joined the team.

Her integration has been successful, both athletically and personally. Her teammates commend her commitment and fighting spirit, qualities that are invaluable on a daily basis.

Between Support and Hostility

While her story is inspiring, it is not devoid of challenges. At the beginning of the season, some opposing fans hurled transphobic insults. Julie recounts hearing particularly harsh comments from the stands.

Over time and with media coverage of her journey, these behaviors have decreased. The focus has returned to sports, although tensions remain. In these moments, her team’s unity provides essential support.

Increased Visibility on Social Media

Julie Tétart’s recognition has also grown on social media, where she now engages with over 25,000 followers, sharing her daily life and the realities of her journey.

This platform allows her to become an identification figure for some. She mentions she would have appreciated having a role model when she was younger.

However, this visibility also attracts criticism, especially regarding her physical capabilities. In response, she emphasizes the hormonal treatment’s effects that have decreased her athletic performance, noting that science supports these changes, as observed in her sports practice.

Between Critiques and Messages of Support

Despite the negative comments, Julie also receives numerous positive messages. Individuals from various backgrounds extend their support, often through private messages. She notes that these expressions of encouragement are the core takeaway from her social media experience.

This recognition not only highlights her personal journey but also contributes to greater visibility for transgender people in areas where they are still too often viewed through misconceptions rather than their achievements.

A Message of Patience and Freedom

To those considering coming out, Julie Tétart advises taking the necessary time. She stresses the importance of feeling ready and surrounding oneself with trusted individuals. In her view, each journey is unique and should progress at its own pace.

Her story reminds us that there is no ideal timeline or universal model. Revealing oneself to others may take time, but it is crucial to do so under conditions that ensure one’s safety, dignity, and balance.

A Future Focused on Performance

In terms of sports, Julie’s focus is now on the play-offs, with the goal of reaching the elite of French women’s basketball. She also mentions discussions with higher-level clubs, who do not question her place in the competition.

True to her ambition, she concludes by reiterating a guiding principle of her career: to face the best to continue progressing. More than a symbol, Julie Tétart embodies a high-level athlete fully committed to her sport, determined to let her game speak while never compromising who she is.

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