Brittney Griner capped off an incredible college career by becoming the No. 1 overall pick in last week’s WNBA Draft.
The top three picks — Griner, Delaware’s Elena Delle Donne, and Notre Dame’s Skylar Diggins — enter the WNBA as one of the most talented trios in league history and will be linked throughout their careers. They sat down with Sports Illustrated’s Maggie Gray to talk about sexuality and equality in sports.
Griner didn’t shy away from her own sexuality in the interview, stating that she is gay herself.
“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told Gray, when asked about gay players in the NFL versus women’s sports. “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, I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that. 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 both expressed their support of Griner and others and hope that men can someday be as supportive.
Photo via Facebook/Baylor Athletics
