From Associated Content: Rumors have been circulating for years that “Matrix” co-director and producer Larry Wachowski is in the process of transitioning from a man to a woman.

“Every indication I have says that Larry Wachowski is now in the process of changing his sex. Dressing in public like a woman, taking female hormones and yes, having a sex change operation,” wrote columnist David Poland. In 2006, he wrote the following about Wachowski’s relationship with dominatrix Ilsa in an article for the Rolling Stone:

“Leaving Los Angeles, he and Ilsa moved into a $2.7 million home in San Francisco, on a steep hill in the Castro, with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. (As of last month, work was still under way on an expensive addition to the house, and a sparkling new red Lexus was parked in the indoor garage.) On the transfer deed for the Castro home, the name Laurence Wachowski does not appear. Instead, it’s ‘Laurenca’ Wachowski. And in a judge’s order, filed in the divorce proceeding, he is similarly identified as Laurence Wachowski, a.k.a. Laurenca Wachowski.”

But the most powerful evidence to date concerning Larry Wachowski’s alleged transition from man to woman has been furnished by the self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media,” Perez Hilton. Hilton posted photos on his website today that allegedly show Larry Wachowski looking very much like as a post-operative transsexual.

If true, Larry Wachowski is not the first high-profile person to make the transition from man to woman.

One of the most famous cases is that of Renee Richards. Renee Richards was born Richard Raskind in 1934. But in 1975, Raskind, an ophthalmologist and former pro tennis player, had a sex change operation and become Renee Richards. Her story came to prominence when the United States Tennis Association prohibited her from competing in the 1976 U.S. Open as a woman. Richards challenged the ban in court, and, in 1977, the New York Supreme Court ruled in her favor.

Society has changed a great deal since 1977. In today’s more tolerant and diverse society, Larry Wachowski’s alleged sex change will not present him with any professional challenges. It will, to be sure, provide plenty fodder for the tabloids, but it’s doubtful that Larry Wachowski will
ever have to take anybody to court over his alleged sex change.