Brittney Griner plans to involve fellow WNBA players in LGBT activism

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LOS ANGELES, Calif – After finishing up one of college basketball’s most storied careers at Baylor, Brittney Griner is now a WNBA All-Star. In just her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner is leading the league in blocks and field goal percentage.

The 22-year-old Houston native won an ESPY Award last week for Best Female College Athlete – her time with the Baylor Lady Bears was remarkable.

The Mercury drafted her No. 1 overall and she’s proving her worth. Off the court, Griner has become a strong opponent of bullying and a role model for LGBT equality.

“I’m doing work with the ‘It Gets Better‘ campaign and I’m about to start volunteering at a place in Phoenix called “First and Ten,” Griner said in Los Angeles before winning her ESPY Award. “[I’m] working with the [Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton,] and other little things around the city.”

TheGrio | Brittney Griner talks sexuality in sports: ‘I’m out and I’m fine’ 

During an interview on SI Live ahead of April’s WNBA Draft, Griner revealed she was “out,” and assured the “younger generation” she was “OK” with her decision. She signed a deal with Nike in June and will reportedly model “gender-neutral” clothing.

Griner has delivered so for the Mercury and a league banking on her star potential – and she’s said she’s excited to use that platform for positive change.

“Now, I have all the resources to get the message out,” Griner said. “You’re even on a bigger stage now. Your voice means everything.”

Griner has the top-selling jersey in the WNBA this year. Along with MVP candidate Diana Taurasi, she has the Mercury among the top teams in the league’s Western Conference.

TheGrio | Brittney Griner ready to change women’s sports

She told theGrio.com she hopes to involve more WNBA players with her work outside the game.

“Coming soon,” Griner said of who she plans to recruit. “I plan on reaching out to other WNBA players here soon about campaigning together and making some awareness videos.”

Follow theGrio’s Todd Johnson on Twitter @rantoddj