Brittney Griner talks sexuality in sports: 'I'm out and I'm fine'

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

In a recent video interview with Sports Illustrated, the WNBA’s top draft picks, Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins, discussed sexuality in sports.

SI host Maggie Gray commented on the recent hot topic of sexuality in sports, particularly in the NFL.

Gray posed the question, “Why is there a difference between men and women in that issue?”

theGrio: Griner ready to change women’s sports

Griner, the WNBA’s number one overall pick, was the first one to respond:

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner said. “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.”

“It really wasn’t too difficult,” Griner added in response to a question on how difficult the decision was to come out.

“I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that,” the former Baylor University star continued.  “I’ve always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn’t hard at all. If I can show that I’m out and I’m fine and everything’s OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way.”

Delle Donne and Diggins chimed in with their views on sexuality in their sport, noting that it is widely accepted in women’s basketball and that hopefully the NFL will adopt the same attitude.

Griner told the Associated Press she would like to work with anti-bullying programs, and she wants “to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community.”

Following a record-setting career in college, the 6’8 star will join the Phoenix Mercury for the start of her WNBA career.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.