Once I came out in sports, I basically told myself, 'I'm coming out, officially. I wanted to be able to look in the mirror and tell myself that I was being true to me. I wanted to help the younger me, when I was a kid, give them somebody for them to look up to.
When I was at Baylor, I wasn't fully happy because I couldn't be all the way out. It feels so good saying it: I am a strong, black lesbian woman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the importance of self-acceptance and identity, particularly in the face of societal pressures.
Brittney Griner's quote captures the struggle of living authentically, particularly as a member of marginalized communities. She reflects on her experiences at Baylor, where she felt constrained in expressing her true identity as a strong, black lesbian woman. By embracing and proudly articulating her identity, she emphasizes the liberation and joy that comes from self-acceptance, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself amidst societal expectations and potential discrimination.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a pride event, this quote can inspire individuals to embrace their true selves.
More from Brittney Griner
All quotes βPeople called me a dude and said there was no way I could be a woman. Some even wanted me to prove it to them. During high school and college, when we traveled for games, people would shout the same things while also using racial epithets and terrible homophobic slurs.
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