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
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.
In practice
During a pride event, this quote can inspire individuals to embrace their true selves.
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.
People 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.
When you flip anything, you really you just have to have the courage of your convictions.
The horrific cases in Ferguson, in Staten Island with the death of Eric Garner, and all across the country serve as stark reminders that we must have a say in who polices us, and how that policing is done. We must, we must, let our voices be heard on Election Day.
I am joining the more than 200,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year... I am inspired by the brave women who have faced this battle before me and grateful for the support of family and friends.
They - you know, when we walked in - when I walked in with the two white men that had carried me down - and they cursed me all the way down. They would ask me questions, and when I would try to answer, they would tell me to hush.
I'm holding onto the hope that there is some reason that I got cancer and there is something - that may not be very clear to me right now - but that I will do.
That is not to say that we can relax our readiness to defend ourselves. Our armament must be adequate to the needs, but our faith is not primarily in these machines of defense but in ourselves.
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