Fact check: What is Brittney Griner's public statement on her gender identity?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, Brittney Griner has not made an explicit public statement specifically about her gender identity. However, multiple sources confirm her sexual orientation and LGBTQ+ identity:

• CNN describes Griner as a "Black queer woman", indicating her public identification within the LGBTQ+ community ^[1]
• Sources confirm that Griner is gay and has faced homophobic harassment, including canceling a speaking engagement due to a "Gay Baby Jail" note found in her hotel room ^[2]
• GLAAD identifies her as part of the LGBTQ community as a seven-time WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold medalist ^[3]
• Multiple sources reference her marriage to wife Cherelle Griner, confirming her same-sex relationship status ^{[4] [5] [6]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal significant missing context around this topic:

• Harmful conspiracy theories and misinformation circulate online claiming Griner is transgender, with sources mentioning "alleged leaked medical details" and "fan speculation" without credible evidence ^[7]
• YouTube content appears to promote unfounded gender testing controversies related to Griner, suggesting coordinated misinformation campaigns ^[8]
• The distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity is often conflated in public discourse - Griner's confirmed gay identity relates to her sexual orientation, not her gender identity
• Anti-LGBTQ+ groups and content creators benefit financially from promoting controversial content that generates clicks and engagement through sensationalized claims

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself may inadvertently amplify harmful misinformation by suggesting there should be a public statement about Griner's gender identity when:

• No credible evidence exists that Griner has ever publicly discussed or questioned her gender identity
• The question appears to stem from transphobic conspiracy theories rather than legitimate reporting ^[7]
• Demanding statements about gender identity from cisgender individuals perpetuates harmful narratives that certain people must "prove" their gender
• The framing assumes controversy exists where established facts show Griner is a gay woman married to another woman, with no credible disputes about her gender identity

The question may unintentionally legitimize baseless speculation that has been used to harass and discriminate against Griner and other LGBTQ+ athletes.