<pWNBA star Brittney Griner has long been recognized not only for her dominance on the basketball court but also for her openness about her identity, inspiring many along the way. She recently shared how the support and acceptance from her family, especially her mother’s simple yet profound words, played a crucial role in easing her journey of coming out. The Atlanta Dream player emphasized the importance of timing and personal readiness when revealing one’s true self, underscoring how vital emotional safety is in that process.

Griner’s Career and Authenticity Beyond Basketball

Brittney Griner has built an extraordinary professional legacy across more than 11 seasons, primarily with the Phoenix Mercury before signing with the Atlanta Dream in 2025. She is a ten-time All-Star, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a WNBA champion. Notably, Griner ranks third all-time in blocks and has achieved 27 career dunks, surpassing the rest of the league combined. However, her impact extends well beyond her on-court achievements. As one of the most openly gay professional basketball players globally, Griner has become a beacon of authenticity and courage for countless individuals navigating their own identities.

Choosing the Right Moment to Share One’s Truth

During a recent conversation with Cam Newton, Griner discussed the sensitive experience of coming out. She stressed the importance of personal agency, stating,

“You can’t let somebody force you into coming out… but you also can’t let someone force you to live within a box.”

She explained that the decision to come out should always be one’s own and that readiness varies for everyone.

Griner recounted that despite her truth

“wasn’t that big of a secret,”

she delayed sharing it out of fear of judgment. Her advice was clear:

“Not everybody’s going to accept it at first… But just coming out and being you, it’s your own time.”

This message underlined the significance of patience and self-trust in the process of revealing one’s identity.

A Mother’s Simple but Powerful Response

Griner’s own coming out moment occurred in ninth grade when she told her mother she liked girls. Anticipating a dramatic reaction, she was surprised when her mother responded with calm acceptance instead. Griner recalled the scene:

“She was in her bedroom. I was sitting on the stairs, I said, ‘Mom, I gotta tell you something.’ I was trying to beat around the bush… then I finally said, ‘I like girls.’”

Her mother’s reply was straightforward and filled with unconditional love:

“She was like, ‘And?… I still love you,’”

Griner remembered. Relaxed, she added,

“I said, ‘Oh, that was easy. I’m about to go play Xbox.’ She was like, ‘Alright. Love you.’ I was like, ‘Love you too, ma.’ That was the end of it.”

This moment of simplicity and acceptance left a lasting impact on Griner’s confidence and comfort with her identity.

Family Reactions and Ongoing Support

Griner’s siblings also responded with warmth and familiarity. Her brother humorously admitted he’d been

waiting on [her] to say it

before, having noticed they were often attracted to the same people, while her sisters simply said, “We knew.”

Her father’s reaction was more complex due to his upbringing in the small, conservative town of Jasper, Texas. Though he initially needed some time to adjust, Griner assured that their relationship is strong today. She shared with a smile that

“He probably textin’ me right now asking where his grandson is.”

Why Brittney Griner’s Story Matters

Brittney Griner’s experiences highlight how critical family support can be during one’s coming out journey. Her story shows that acceptance does not need to be filled with drama or conflict; sometimes, simple affirmations like “I love you” can provide the most powerful reassurance. As someone who has navigated both public scrutiny and personal discovery, Griner’s openness and the love she received have become a source of hope and strength for many around the world facing similar situations.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a child?

A. In July, Griner shared that she and her wife had their first child. She mentioned this during an interview with CBS Sports leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The Phoenix Mercury player said their baby was born on July 8.

Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a baby?

A. Brittney Griner, who has won two Olympic gold medals, has announced the birth of her first child with her wife, Cherelle Griner. She shared this happy news in an exclusive interview with We Need to Talk. Griner said, “He’s here. Yes, 7/8/24.”