Who is the lesbian boxer Sydney Sweeney is playing in her new film 'Christy'? Primarily a basketball player growing up, Christy Martin was romantically involved with her female teammate and star of the basketball team, Sherry Lusk, throughout high school. She knew from about 5th grade that she was gay. But to avoid backlash from her family, she kept her relationship a secret. Starting her professional boxing career at age 21, she began training with boxing coach Jim Martin, who would later become her husband - a marriage she’d later describe as “one of convenience.” She was known as ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’, often wore pink in the ring as her signature colour, and soon built a reputation as a fearless brawler with knockout power. Christy brought women's boxing into the mainstream, helping to legitimize the sport. But even though she dominated in the boxing ring, Christy faced her toughest battle at home. #sydneysweeney #lesbian #christymartin #womensboxing #lgbtqia