WNBA #1 draft pick Brittney Griner wants to work with teens in the LGBT community

We’ve spent a lot of time this year discussing gay athletes and professional sports leagues. This week, the first pick in the WNBA draft, Brittney Griner, gave an interview where she discussed why gay athletes in women’s sports seems to be accepted.

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told SI.com. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.”

Griner said it doesn’t matter what others might think of her or other gay athletes.

“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,” she said.

Griner said she was “picked on for being different”

“Just being bigger, my sexuality, everything,” she told the AP. “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.”

Open dialogue will help raise levels of tolerance.

photo via WNBA