Billy Jean receives her medal from Obama.

In a ceremony at the White House, the founder of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and champion of gender equality was among 16 global luminaries to receive the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Barack Obama.

America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially significant contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. As well as sports, this year’s awardees were chosen for their work as ‘agents of change’ in fields ranging from arts and science to politics and public policy.

Billy Jean to receive Medal of Freedom.

President Barack Obama today named gay civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk and tennis great (and open lesbian) Billie Jean King as two of 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

 From the White House press release:

 “This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.

 President Obama said, “These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.

 “Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom.”

 President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wed., Aug. 12.”