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Progress: Brittney Griner Wants All to Embrace Differences

1 week ago

WNBA star writes in The New York Times about coming out, abuse endured over the years.

Brittney Griner recently became the WNBA’s number one draft pick and the first openly gay athlete to sign with Nike.

In the wake of NBA star Jason Collins revealing his sexuality in a Sports Illustrated column, Griner’s story went into the shadows.

On Sunday, she got to share her experiences in a powerful New York Times essay. Griner boldly stated, “Just as basketball doesn’t define who I am, neither does being gay.”

Here are some of the highlights from her message:

-Griner came out to her mom in the ninth grade. The reaction was positive.

“I knew then that it didn’t matter what my sexuality was; my mom and family would always love me for who I am. For me, the simplicity behind coming out was both powerful and beautiful. No drama, just acceptance and love.”

-Griner didn’t receive much media attention after her sexuality was disclosed publicly.

“Frankly, it didn’t matter at all to me. I simply answered a question honestly and am just happy to tell my truth and to be in a position to encourage others to do the same. It’s all about living an honest life and being comfortable in your own skin. It strengthens me to know that Jason and I (along with so many other out pioneers and allies) are united in a mission to inspire others who may be struggling. I want everyone to feel at peace and O.K. with being who he or she is.”

-Griner was bullied in her middle school and high school days. She finds strength to encourage everyone to embrace their individuality.

“No one deserves to go through that type of abuse. . . It always confused me; I never thought that to be beautiful, you had to look any certain way at all. In my opinion, you’re beautiful because you are you.”

-She will continue to spread acceptance and help all live in truth.

“It’s my job now to, I hope, be a light who inspires others.”

You go, girl!

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Curt Schilling: So You're A Gay Athlete? Who Cares?!

3 months ago

The former major league baseball pitcher doesn't see the issue with having gay teammates.

It appears that baseball may be on track to having an open door policy when it comes to gay athletes. That is if you go according to the numerous baseball players that have revealed their level of comfort playing with gay teammates. The only stipulation, they must know how to play--that makes sense. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling -- who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros throughout his career -- took to Twitter with his thoughts. "Also, I've never understood this 'issue' with gay players? Who cares?" he said. "I know I played with some, their sexual orientation never had much to do with how they hit with RISP, or pitched in late and close situations, why the hell would what they do in the bedroom ever matter?"

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His view was echoed by many other baseball players like now-retired Jeff Weaver, who pitched for the Detroit Rogers, and his younger brother Jared Weaver, currently of the Los Angeles Angels.

Chris Culliver of the 49ers kicked off the controversy, putting his foot in his mouth and proclaiming that he "don't do the gay guys man." Well, he's since been enrolled in sensitivity training before beginning volunteer work with various LGBT youth advocacy groups. He's surely ecstatic about that experience. Maybe football players will follow suit and begin to change perspectives? (Huffington Post)

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