In Jason Collins' Wake, Out Athlete Brittney Griner Writes About Making History

The basketball star writes in The New York Times about her personal coming out story, as well as the abuse she has endured over the years.

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Brittney Griner recently became the WNBA's #1 draft pick, and she also became the first openly gay athlete to sign with Nike. But after NBA star Jason Collins came out publicly and was heralded by many as the first "major out athlete," Griner's moment in the spotlight was, at least temporarily, eclipsed. In a powerful essay written for the Sunday New York Times, Brittney finally got the chance to share her story.

She discusses her coming out process, her thoughts on Jason Collins coming out, and the role she would like to play in the LGBT community:

On coming out to her mother in the 9th grade:

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On the fact her coming out last month didn’t receive very much media attention:

Tony Gutierrez / AP

On being an openly out basketball player:

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On the bullying she endured from an early age:

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LM Otero, File / AP

On her future:

Tony Gutierrez / AP

Griner wrote, "Countless people have come up to me and thanked me for being proud of who I am."

Read full article here.