USA TODAY Sports

Brittney Griner did an interview with Sports Illustrated where she talked about her sexuality and being out, all without using the word “lesbian.”

“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, the Baylor star and top pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, was interviewed with two other stars, Skylar Diggins and Elena Delle Donne. Asked about her sexuality in light of being the top pick, Briner responded:

“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.”

Diggins and Delle Donne, the second overall pick, both said they were fine with people being who they are. What’s interesting about the interview is how matter-of-fact Griner is about being lesbian. She said she never hid, so there was no official coming out campaign. What makes it news was that, as far as I can tell, she had never directly addressed the question before publicly. Either she wasn’t asked or she declined to talk publicly. Whatever, Brittney Griner is out.

Update: Griner gave this great quote to the AP when asked what it was like to stand out:

”It was hard. Just being picked on for being different. Just being bigger, my sexuality, everything,” said the 6-foot-8 Griner, who acknowledged she is a lesbian. ”I overcame it and got over it. Definitely something that I am very passionate about. I want to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community.”

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