WNBA Number 1 draft pick, Brittney Griner, talks about her sexuality
The 6′ 8″ Baylor standout and number 1 pick in the WNBA draft Monday, Brittney Griner is headed to the Phoenix Mercury. However, interviews with discussions of her sexuality and her decision to “come out” was also highly publicized.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated when the questioning turned to the acceptance differences between male and female athletes coming out, Griner said, “I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different. Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.”
“Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.
In an interview with USA Today, Brittany gave props to her parents, My parents didn’t know at the time,” she said. “I hadn’t come out completely. It was kind of like, YOU KNOW … I just hadn’t said it. My dad and my mom have always told me, ‘Be who you are.’ At the time, they probably weren’t sure what I was interpreting that as.”
Being bigger and “different”, Griner said she was bullied. She told the Associated Press, “It was hard, just being picked on for being different, just being bigger, my sexuality, everything,” she said. “I overcame it and got over it. Definitely something that I am very passionate about. I want to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community.”
Griner, a Houston native, swept all of the nation’s player awards the last two seasons and ended her four-year career as the NCAA’s top shot blocker (748) and female dunker (18) and ranks No. 2 on the NCAA Division I women’s scoring chart with 3,283 career points. Throughout her illustrious career, Griner averaged 22.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game and hit 56.9 percent of her shots from the floor and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play basketball at the next level. I grew up watching the Houston Comets and always aspired to play in the WNBA. This is a dream come true for me,” said Griner.
[…] up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 76 news […]
[…] opens up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]
[…] up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]
[…] up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]
[…] up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]
[…] up on her sexuality, says 'don't hide who you really are'Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]
[…] […]
[…] up on her sexuality, says ‘don’t hide who you really are’Examiner.comForbes -The Global Dispatch -Los Angeles Timesall 75 news […]