Brittney Griner Of Phoenix Mercury On Her New Book And Being An Out, Proud Role Model

Why This Lesbian Basketball Star Is Proud To Be An Out Role Model
FILE - In this June 2, 2013, file photo, Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner in action against the Seattle Storm in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Seattle. Griner's busy WNBA offseason included competing in China, her first vacation in Miami and courtside seats to watch favorite player LeBron James. The slam-dunking Griner can add published author to her list of achievements with "In My Skin," which chronicles her love of basketball and struggles with bullying, sexuality and family acceptance. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
FILE - In this June 2, 2013, file photo, Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner in action against the Seattle Storm in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Seattle. Griner's busy WNBA offseason included competing in China, her first vacation in Miami and courtside seats to watch favorite player LeBron James. The slam-dunking Griner can add published author to her list of achievements with "In My Skin," which chronicles her love of basketball and struggles with bullying, sexuality and family acceptance. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Standing at 6 foot 8, hailing from Houston, Texas, Brittney Griner has a story to tell. The 2013 number one WNBA draft pick has penned a memoir, In My Skin—released today by HarperCollins—which details her life on and off the basketball court. After returning from China and speaking on panels at the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival (SXSW), Griner took some time out to chat with ELIXHER about her new book, representing for Black girls and women, truth-telling and more.

The out and proud Baylor University graduate has many accolades, giving her plenty to talk about. She was the first NCAA basketball player to ever score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. Dunking twice in one game, the Mercury Phoenix center broke her favorite player’s (Candace Parker) career total of dunks during her debut WNBA game against the Chicago Sky last May. Griner has an endorsement deal with Nike, is a 2013 BET Award nominee, 2013 WNBA All-Star, 2012 NCAA champion, 2012 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and a McDonald’s 2009 All-American player (just to name a few of her honors).

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