Brittney Griner Sexuality: Public Coming Out & Identity

Brittney Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in 2013 during an interview with Sports Illustrated, shortly before entering the WNBA draft. Rather than hiding her personal life, she chose transparency from the start of her professional career, becoming one of the most prominent openly gay athletes in team sports and breaking new ground with major corporate partnerships like her historic Nike endorsement deal.

Public curiosity surrounding her identity often stems from her record-setting athletic dominance, her historic college career at Baylor University, and her global visibility. Examining her journey involves looking at her early life in Texas, the hurdles she faced regarding bullying, her openness about her relationships, and her advocacy for the LGBTQ community.

Early Life and Navigating Identity in Texas

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Griner stood out from an early age. Reaching 6 feet 8 inches tall, she navigated intense scrutiny during her adolescence. In past interviews, she opened up about the heavy bullying she endured in middle and high school, where peers targeted her for her height, her physical appearance, and her emerging sexual orientation.

Rather than concealing her identity to fit in, Griner leaned into sports as an outlet. Her dominance on the basketball court at Nimitz High School turned national heads, making her the consensus number-one recruit in the country. This early exposure forced her into the public eye before she even reached adulthood, setting the stage for her life under a microscope.

Coming Out and Making WNBA History

When Griner entered the national spotlight at Baylor University, where she led the Lady Bears to an undefeated national championship in 2012, questions about her personal life followed her every move. She addressed these questions directly in February 2013 by confirming she was a lesbian.

Her coming-out process was direct and unhesitating. She noted that she had never felt the need to hide who she was to friends or family. Key milestones from this period include:

• Breaking barriers as the first openly gay athlete to sign an endorsement contract with Nike.
• Using her platform to speak directly to bullied youth, urging them to embrace their individuality.
• Appearing in high-profile media features, including ESPN The Magazine, to normalize LGBTQ representation in professional athletics.

By speaking openly, Griner removed the guesswork for media outlets and fans, establishing a transparent standard for professional athletes navigating public interest in their private lives.

Relationships and Family Life

Griner's personal relationships have occasionally drawn media attention alongside her athletic achievements. After college, her marriage to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson ended in divorce.

In June 2019, Griner married Cherelle Watson (now Cherelle Griner), a law school graduate and educator. Cherelle became a central figure in international headlines during Griner's 2022 wrongful detention in Russia, spearheading public advocacy campaigns, coordinating with U.S. government officials, and keeping her wife's name visible until her release in a prisoner exchange. The couple continues to share their lives and advocacy work publicly.

Advocacy and Cultural Impact

Griner's identity extends past personal disclosures; it anchors her philanthropic and social efforts. Having experienced severe harassment in her youth, she has consistently partnered with youth organizations to combat bullying and support LGBTQ teenagers.

Her resilience through intense media scrutiny, her high-profile return to the WNBA after her detainment, and her steady commitment to authenticity have cemented her legacy. She remains a symbol of resilience for athletes who choose to live openly on and off the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Brittney Griner come out publicly?

Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in February 2013 during an interview with Sports Illustrated, just before starting her professional career in the WNBA.

Who is Brittney Griner married to?

She married Cherelle Griner (formerly Cherelle Watson) in June 2019. Cherelle played a vital role in advocating for her release during her detainment in Russia.

What milestones has Griner achieved in sports and advocacy?

Beyond winning multiple Olympic gold medals and WNBA championships, she made history as the first openly gay athlete to secure a major endorsement deal with Nike.

How has Griner addressed bullying?

Griner frequently speaks out about her childhood experiences with bullying, encouraging younger generations to embrace their differences and working with youth organizations to promote inclusivity.