Brittney Griner Speaks Out Against New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights: “This Is About Humanity”
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner is once again using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights after the passage of a controversial new law that restricts access to healthcare and sports participation for transgender individuals, particularly youth.
The law, recently enacted at the federal level, includes provisions that prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, limit how gender identity is recognized in public institutions, and ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports categories at schools and colleges.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a vocal member of the LGBTQ+ community, responded during a post-game press conference over the weekend. Speaking with conviction and calm urgency, she addressed the issue not as a political debate but as a matter of dignity and human rights.
“This isn’t about sports. This isn’t about rules. It’s about people being allowed to live, love, and be who they are without fear or restriction,” Griner said. “When you tell a kid that who they are is illegal, you’re doing more than making a law — you’re breaking their spirit.”
Griner, who came out publicly in 2013 and has long advocated for inclusion in athletics, said she was heartbroken by the messages she’s received from young fans struggling to understand what the law means for them.
“I’ve gotten DMs from kids saying they feel scared to go to school or to try out for teams,” she shared. “No one should ever feel like they have to hide who they are to play the game they love.”
Though known for her dominant performance on the court, Griner has become equally recognized for her leadership off the court. During her detention overseas in 2022, global support poured in from fans and human rights organizations — many of whom praised her resilience and authenticity. Since returning, she has used her platform to bring attention to issues facing marginalized communities, especially Black and LGBTQ+ youth.
Griner said that this new law, regardless of its intentions, sends the wrong message.
“We keep telling young people to be proud of themselves, to stay strong. But then laws like this come in and say, ‘You’re different, and that difference makes you less worthy.’ That’s not strength — that’s cruelty,” she said.
She emphasized that creating safe, supportive environments isn’t just the job of parents and teachers — it also falls on athletes, coaches, and public figures who shape culture.
“We’re not here just to entertain. We’re here to stand for something. If I can use this platform to let even one kid know they’re not alone, then I’ll speak out every time.”
When asked if she was worried about potential backlash, Griner didn’t hesitate.
“I’ve been through worse. I’ve stood up before, and I’ll keep standing up. Because it’s not about me — it’s about making sure every kid gets to feel like they belong.”
The new law remains under scrutiny by civil rights advocates. But for now, Brittney Griner’s voice stands as a reminder that, for many, this isn’t just a legal issue — it’s personal.
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