Ex-Baylor basketball player Brittney Griner came out yesterday during an interview with Sports Illustrated.
Griner, who was among the top picks in Monday’s WNBA Draft, discussed sexuality with the paper with fellow top picks Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins.
When asked about why more women come out in sports than men do, Griner said she didn’t know why and added that being out is about being who you are.
“I really couldn’t give an answer on why. It’s just 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.”
Griner said it wasn’t too difficult for her to be honest about her sexuality, even with her celebrity status.
“It really wasn’t too difficult. I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that,” Griner said. “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.”
Griner attended Nimitz High School in Houston before receiving a full scholarship to Baylor University. She is the first NCAA basketball player ever to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. Had she come out during her career at Baylor, the anti-gay school may have taken away her scholarship or kicked her out.
She’ll start her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury in May.
Watch the interview below.
