Fact check: Was Brittany Griner assigned female at birth?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Brittney Griner was assigned female at birth. The most direct confirmation comes from one source that explicitly states Griner is a biological female, citing her birth certificate, public medical records, and statements from family members and medical professionals ^[1]. Multiple sources consistently refer to Griner as a "woman," "Black queer woman," and "WNBA star" ^{[2] [3] [4]}, which strongly implies female assignment at birth.

The analyses reveal that false rumors have circulated online claiming various government officials revealed "the truth" about Griner's gender, but these have been debunked as misinformation ^[5]. Additionally, claims that Griner was ordered to take a DNA test to determine her sex have been confirmed as false ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the persistent misinformation campaign targeting Griner. The analyses show that Griner has faced ongoing gender-based rumors and speculation, partly due to her physical appearance and deep voice, which she has addressed in interviews ^[1]. One source mentions that Griner experienced being mistaken for a boy due to her appearance during her youth ^[7].

The question also omits the broader context of discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ athletes, particularly Black queer women like Griner. The analyses indicate that her case highlights larger issues of inequality and discrimination ^{[8] [3]}. Those who benefit from spreading gender-based misinformation about prominent LGBTQ+ athletes may include individuals or groups seeking to undermine transgender rights or create division around gender identity issues in sports.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the original question appears neutral on its surface, it may inadvertently amplify harmful speculation about Griner's gender identity. The analyses reveal that similar questions have been weaponized as part of false narratives, including fabricated claims about mandatory "sex testing" in the WNBA and fake statements attributed to government officials ^[5].

The question's framing could perpetuate the harmful practice of questioning female athletes' gender, particularly those who don't conform to traditional feminine stereotypes. The analyses show that Griner has not identified as transgender ^[6], yet continues to face scrutiny about her gender identity, suggesting the question may be rooted in or contributing to discriminatory assumptions about how women should look or sound.