Dellacqua pens essay on marriage equality

You probably know Casey Dellacqua's name from her impressive doubles career. The Australian is ranked No. 14 in the world, and has won seven doubles titles as well as contested three Grand Slam finals (with Ashleigh Barty). You may also know the 32-year-old Australian as the mother Margaret Court pointed out in her argument against same-sex couples raising children.

Now, Dellacqua has something to say as Australia is conducting a poll on whether to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is legal in 24 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada and New Zealand.

In an essay for Players Voice, Dellacqua explains what the public debate in her home nation feels like from her perspective, as she raises two young children with her long-time partner, Amanda.

"When you see stuff like 'same sex couples can’t raise children,' it just blows my mind that people can even still think like that in this day and age," Dellacqua writes.

Ballots were sent out to Australians to vote "yes" or "no" on legalizing same-sex marriage and the decision will be announced on November 15.

"In a way I do feel discriminated against. I feel less equal, for sure," Dellacqua writes. "And I feel like people are trying to make our relationship less valid, which is not a nice feeling. But I’m so comfortable in my own skin and my relationship with my family that none of that stuff affects me too much."

The good news is that she feels support from her tennis community, especially from her Australian teammates. The greater news is that she has a family that supports her unconditionally, and hopefully, a law in the near future that allows her to finally feel equal.