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Heather Fisher’s battle with alopecia saw her kicked out of a female toilet and face drug use charges; ahead of International Women’s Day, the England sevens star spoke about her constant struggle to challenge gender stereotypes
Last updated: 08/03/21 6:37 am
Heather Fisher has represented England at World Cups and Commonwealth Games
England rugby sevens star Heather Fisher has opened up about her battle with alopecia as she seeks to represent Team GB at a second Olympics later this year.
On the pitch, Fisher, 36, played for the GB team in Rio 2016, for England at the World Cups, and won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
But off the pitch, Fisher has had to deal with situations related to her hair loss, being kicked out of a women’s toilet and being charged with drug use.
“I’m just a girl making her dream of arriving in Tokyo come true,” said Fisher, who appears on the first episode of the official Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games podcast – 22 votes. “Along the way I lost some hair due to stress, and then before you know it you are judged to be a man because you have no hair and you have muscles.
“I have always dreamed of being an athlete. I struggled with anorexia as a young girl, it was a lot about perception and how you should look, but struggling with my hair loss creates a new build of insecurity and inner – trust issues, because I’m still on trial for being a guy, accused of doing drugs or being a boy.
“That’s where being kicked out of the toilet came from, the police waiting for me outside the toilet. It’s just the norm. It’s not great.”
Fisher also revealed that she already had to lift her top to prove her gender.
“When I’m asked about being a guy, a lot of it depends on the day I feel confident if I challenge it,” she added.
“Sometimes I wouldn’t want to open my mouth because if I knew they would know I’m a woman and then I would have to explain it.
Heather Fisher was part of the England squad that won bronze at seven at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
“There are times I’ve been in locker rooms where I was almost rushing to get naked, so they can almost see I’m a woman, which is crazy. I feel embarrassed to say it, I even had to lift my top when the police are waiting outside in different countries just to prove that I am a woman. I don’t feel like I had a lot of choice. I very rarely stop at highway services because I know what’s going to happen.
“It gives you problems that I don’t think I should have. I’m just a woman who has lost her hair and is training for her country. I have muscles. When I say it like that, I can Laugh at it, but there are times when comments are made and it reminds me all the time.
“I feel like I have constantly had to wear a clown outfit, be someone else, explain who I am, speak so someone can hear who I am. The effect is, my confidence, the only time I don’t make me feel judged is when I’m on the pitch. Far from it, I don’t have the impression of almost belonging to society because of the look I have, which I can’t help myself. “
Monday marks International Women’s Day, and Fisher said the reality is that women must continue to fight inequality until there is a level playing field.
She said: “We shouldn’t have to have one day a year, we should be equal. It’s an opportunity to put women on the map, to put other women out there who have dreams and who It shouldn’t be something everyone is working towards, but it is important because it is an opportunity to hear more voices.
“Unless we choose to challenge it, that won’t change. A lot of women I know are going to sit down and say they won’t challenge him, but we have to. Not to be above, there is no above, it just doesn’t matter. “
In addition to the training, Fisher has taken on a mentoring role, where she is keen to emphasize the power of individuality.
“Yes, women are strong, but we are still not considered on the same level as guys,” she said. “I train people to be yourself. You have to be understanding, but I will not change to become a style of coaching.
“I am who I am, I play who I play with. A woman who knows it can be intimidating for some people, but it is what it is. I feel like she should be drawn into us. , not outside of us. “
To listen to the full episode of 22 votes starring Heather Fisher and Sarah Davies, search for 22 voices wherever you listen to your podcasts or visit www.birmingham2022.com/22voices
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