On Sunday I write about individuals who we can admire. Today the honoree is Lynne Pinches, a British woman who has principles and stuck to these principles.
From Epoch Bright:
The World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) had said in August that transgender players would not be able to play against “naturally-born women” but has since reversed this decision.
This was the “nail in the coffin” for Lynne Pinches, … a U-turn by the sport’s governing body, the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), on its transgender policy.
Pinches, who has been dubbed the “matriarch” of a pool and snooker-playing family, walked away from the chance of a national title in protest against facing a transgender player in November.
She shook hands with opponent Harriet Haynes, who identifies as transgender, before she put away her cue and conceded the final of the Women’s Champion of Champions tournament without playing a single shot.
Subsequently, Lynne Pinches, one of Britain’s top female pool players turned down a first-ever professional contract in protest at a decision to allow transgender players to compete.
Ms. Pinches, 51, was offered a place on the Ultimate Pool Tour—featuring the game’s top 32 players—but did not accept.
“I’m absolutely gutted that I’ve dropped out, my heart wants to be on the Ultimate Pool Tour. I feel excluded even though I’ve self-excluded,” Ms. Pinches, from Norwich, Norfolk, told BBC Sport.
“I’m sticking to my principles. I don’t want to face the transgender players who would be on that tour. I don’t think it’s fair.
“You can’t bring up the hopes of hundreds of women and say you’re going to have a female-only section in August, and then change that eight weeks later.”
A principled Brit? … You betcha!
3/17/24