Tag Archives: Brittney Griner

The Lesbian Plot Thickens | Glory Johnson Want $20K in Spousal Support From Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson’s marriage may be over, but if Johnson gets her way, they’ll be in each other’s lives for years to come.

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ESPNW is reporting that Glory Johnson is asking for $20,000 dollars a month (yes… you’re reading this correctly) in spousal support concluding their divorce. Court documents filed in June in Maricopa County, Ariz., also show that Johnson is requesting a $10,000 advancement towards her attorney’s fees.

Legal representative for Johnson, Stasy Click, believes that Johnson is warranted in her request, saying that Griner has “far superior control over the family’s financial resources” and that Johnson is “without the necessary financial means to pay for legal representation in this matter.”

Click’s claims comes from reports that Johnson is currently on a slashed salary from the WNBA due to her pregnancy, which also makes her unfit to play overseas this winter. Since she has no means of a steady income, she is requesting spousal support from her ex-wife.

In the filing, Johnson also claims that she cannot seek employment outside of basketball because it is a “high-risk multiple pregnancy” — she is set to have twins. Though she intends on returning to basketball full-time postpartum, she currently needs “household assistance, personal trainers, and medical care not covered by her current insurance.”

She also claims that furnishing the home she and Griner once shared, in vitro fertilisation costs and wedding expenses drained her financially.

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Griner filed to annul her marriage to Johnson on June 4, approximately one month after they tied the knot.

Her court petition states that she was unaware when the in vitro fertilisation resulting in Johnson’s pregnancy had taken place.

She also stated that their marriage was “based of fraud” and that both parties had acquired “minimal community property and incurred minimal community debts during their three-week marriage”.

The ladies will both appear in court on August 17 for a hearing regarding Griner’s annulment petition.

Hello! Brittney Griner and World Cup-Winning Footballer Ali Krieger Get Naked for ESPN Body Issue Magazine

Once a year ESPN’s magazine convinces some very talented a beautiful people to get naked for their Body Issue addition.

In the mag, the world’s greatest athletes’ pose naked and talk about the skin they’re in.

The new issue (out July 10) includes two out female athletes: WNBA star Brittney Griner and the US’s World cup-winning footballer Ali Kriege

Brittney talked to out sports journalist Kate Fagan about labels and defying gender stereotypes.

I don’t like labels. But [gender roles] are instilled in you as a kid. I was told to pick which one I wanted to be-masculine or feminine. I’m like, well, I kind of want to be both, because that’s who I am. I mean, sometimes I’m feminine, sometimes I’m emotional. And then sometimes-you see me on the court, and I’m hard-core, and then how I dress is masculine. If I put on something “girlie,” I feel very uncomfortable. It feels like something I shouldn’t be wearing. I wore a dress for my high school graduation and it sucked. My mom wanted me to wear a dress so bad. I forced a smile in a couple of photos for her, but I was the most absolute uncomfortable person.”

In her interview, Kreiger says

It’s important to show your vulnerabilities. I’m proud of my body, I’m proud of my sport, I’m proud of being a female athlete. Being naked is just another aspect of that. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s honest.

…I think my confidence came when I turned 30. I don’t know, something about turning 30 has been unbelievable. I just feel a sense of freedom. My 20s were really tough, just traveling and living in different countries and doing all these things, and now I feel like I know what I want and know really what my goals and dreams are and what I want from my life.

See the full interviews and video on ESPN’s website.

Glory Johnson Announces She’s Expecting Twins

One month after their May nuptials, the two-time Tulsa Shock All-Star Glory Johnson announced she was expecting a baby with wife Brittney Griner. However, the following day, Griner filed for an annulment, a move that left the mom-to-be “truly really saddened.”

But life moves on and this week the Johnson announced she’s nine weeks along with twins while sharing a snapshot of her ultrasound on Instagram.

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It’s not a surprise for me because this is what we planned for with the IVF cycle, though hearing their hearts beat for [the first] time was the most ASTONISHING thing I have ever heard in my ENTIRE LIFE. For 15yrs Double-Doubles came with hard work and dedication … now I’ve been blessed by God to have ‘double doubles’ for the rest of my life!”

 

Why Did WNBA Couple Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson Break Up?

In April, 2013, basketball player Brittney Griner made headlines not just for her phenomenal talent (she was the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft) but because she also came out as gay.

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Her announcement was huge given that the WNBA had previously been criticised for the way that it encouraged gay players to be quiet about their sexualities for fears of the league being branded as ‘for lesbians only’. Griner also became the first openly gay athlete to be endorsed by Nike.

The star athlete made headlines again in August 2014 when she announced her engagement to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.

The two appeared to be a happy couple and they even appeared on the Atlanta edition of reality TV show Say Yes to the Dress which details the (sometimes extravagant) lengths that couples will go to to put together the perfect wedding.

But things turned sour just weeks before Griner and Johnson were set to marry. Following an altercation between the two at their Arizona home, the two women were arrested for domestic violence, with the police report stating that the violence had been “mutual”.

Brittney and Glory

 

Whether mutual or not, it did result in a debate about same-sex domestic violence, a topic which is rarely spoken about in the media. But this debate was short-lived as the pair proceeded to get married anyway and once more, people began to fawn over their nuptials.

However, just 28 days later, and Griner filed for an annulment of the marriage. Speaking to ESPN, Griner explained that although she did take part in counselling following April’s domestic violence charge, she tried to postpone the wedding several times and that ultimately it was a mistake. She also admitted that she “shouldn’t have went through with it”.

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But for Johnson, the filing came as a shock as she released a statement saying that she “still loves and cares for Brittney” and that she was “hurt and blindsided” by the announcement. Just days before the annulment was announced, Johnson had revealed that she was pregnant and on Instagram she posted a photo of Griner (apparently lovingly) kissing her stomach.

With so much going on, it’s unclear if the pair will reconcile or if Griner will continue the counselling that she began prior to the wedding. But for readers in a similar situation, Community United Against Violence (CUAV) and the Los Angeles LGBT Center have more information on what to do.

Glory Johnson Addresses Spit from Griner and Her Pregnancy

When reports surfaced that Brittney Griner filed for an annulment a day after Glory Johnson announced she was pregnant and a month after they were married – people were left asking a lot of questions on what happened to this sporting power-couple.

After a week of speculation, Johnson has released an emailed statement, stating that she is still shaken, but moving forward with her life.

I am truly really saddened by the recent turn of events and was not expecting to have our marriage end so abruptly. I am ready to begin focusing on my health, pregnancy and am going to remain in Tulsa to continue to build my relationship with the Tulsa Shock organization, and my teammates. I appreciate the support of my fans, family and loved ones and look forward to returning to the basketball court as soon as I can.”

She went into further detail about the rumours pertaining to whether Griner played a part in her pregnancy or not.

At no stage was Brittney pressured to undertake the fertility process. In fact, throughout the entire process, Brittney was a willing participant, consenting and signing all the necessary documents that needed to be signed in order to move forward with the treatments.

I would like to address the inaccurate statements released surrounding my marriage and pregnancy, so that I can continue, after this statement, to focus on my privacy and allow our lawyers to handle this situation.”

Griner stated last week that she married Johnson under duress. Johnson said the decision to move forward with the wedding was mutual.

In addition, while we may have both had our reservations, we both willfully and joyfully walked down the aisle together and decided to get married.”

Last week, Johnson’s agent, Boris Lelchitski said the Women’s National Basketball Players Association was planning to file a grievance to appeal the suspensions for both players, but Griner backed out. Lelchitski said the deadline has now passed, and his client did not appeal.

Johnson’s suspension will not start until the 2016 season because she will not play this season.

Brittney Griner Breaks Her Silence on Divorce in Interview with ESPN (Video)

The Internet has been buzzing the last 48 hours with a number of questions surrounding the ‘emotional roller-coaster’ of Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson relationship.

Griner has now sat down with a rep from ESPN to discuss the events that took place.

Prior to us getting married, I knew I shouldn’t have went through with it and I talked to Glory about it but sometimes you feel pressured into things. I went along with it and I knew I shouldn’t have and it was a huge mistake.”

As previously reported, Griner, filed for the annulment, claiming her marriage to Johnson is based on “fraud and duress.”

Last Wednesday, Glory and I agreed to either legally separate, get divorced, or annul our marriage. In the week prior to the wedding, I attempted to postpone the wedding several times until I completed counselling, but I still went through with it. I now realize that was a mistake.”

During her interview with ESPN, the star broke down crying before concluding she’s now going to just try to “submerge” herself in basketball.

While we understand that Brittney and Johnson are both grown women and should be held accountable for their actions, we can’t help but feel bad for both parties involved in this mess.

Anyone who says they’ve never gotten caught up in the infatuation phase of a relationship is lying. The best way to deal with situations like the one at hand is to learn from it.

Brittney Griner Files to Have Marriage to Glory Johnson Annulled a Day After Johnson Announces Pregnancy

Brittney Griner has filed papers seeking to annul her 29-day marriage to Glory Johnson.

A statement was released from Griner on Friday

Last Wednesday, Glory and I agreed to either legally separate, get divorced, or annul our marriage. I can confirm that today I filed for an annulment. In the week prior to the wedding, I attempted to postpone the wedding several times until I completed counselling, but I still went through with it. I now realise that was a mistake.”

The news of Griner’s filing comes one day after Johnson announced on Instagram that she is pregnant.

Johnson said in a statement provided by the team.

It has always been a dream of mine to start a family with someone I love. Being a professional athlete that plays year round, there is never a perfect time to get pregnant without putting my career on hold. The entire process, from learning our fertility options, to making sacrifices necessary nine months before the child is born, is merely preparing me to become a great wife and an even better mother.”

Despite Griner’s statement that the couple had discussed a divorce or annulment, Johnson’s agent, D.J. Fisher, said in a statement late Friday that she was unaware of the filing and was “extremely hurt and blindsided” by Griner’s actions.

She loves Brittney and made a huge sacrifice to carry a child, put her career on hold, invest in their relationship and their future.”

The two WNBA stars married May 8, just three weeks after both were arrested in Arizona on domestic violence charges.

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Griner entered a diversion program, agreeing to plead guilty to disorderly conduct and attend 26 weeks of counselling. Once she had completed the program, the charges will be wiped from her record.

Johnson’s case was transferred to a jurisdiction without a diversion program, so her case is still pending. She must either fight the case in court or reach a plea agreement.

Brittney and Glory

The WNBA investigated the altercation — listed by the police as “mutual combat” — and suspended both players seven games.

Has Brittney Griner WNBA Suspensions Prompted us to Address Domestic Abuse in Same-Sex Relationship?

On April 22, WNBA stars Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson were arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct after the couple reportedly had a fight in their Phoenix home.

Brittney and Glory

A week later, Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and agreed to participate in a 26-week domestic-violence diversion program.

On May 8, the couple got married, and then, on May 15, each woman received an unprecedented seven-game suspension from the WNBA.

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Though severe, the punishments mirror recent efforts within the NBA to take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence.

In many cases, the WNBA’s decision is being lauded. Deborah Larkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation, an advocacy group for women in sports, has been a WNBA season-ticket holder for the past 15 years and agrees with the league’s response.

When you say there’s zero tolerance and you have a strict punishment, it sends the message to the league, to other sports, to boys and girls and to league owners: We’re serious.”

People are certainly paying attention to Griner and Johnson’s troubles, though this is hardly the exposure they’re looking for.

But Larkin thinks WNBA stand will make fans rally around the league and

[Fans] respect the WNBA for doing the right thing. That’s the kind of people we are and that’s what’s important to us. I’ll back them for that.”

Still, the WNBA doesn’t appear to apply these tough standards equally.

While Larkin supports the strict response to Griner and Johnson’s fight, she has openly criticised the WNBA for allowing Isiah Thomas to become president of the New York Liberty.

In 2007, a jury found in favour of a woman who claimed that Thomas sexually harassed her when he was head coach of the New York Knicks.

That Thomas is now team president and could become a part owner of the Liberty feels unfair.

I would like to see the same standard applied when there’s sexual harassment, and racism. Don’t just stop when there’s domestic violence.”

Though Griner and Johnson are making moves to take responsibility for what happened, Thomas continues to dispute the claims of sexual harassment. For this reason, many continue to object to Thomas’ new role in the league, at the same time they support a second chance for the players.
Lack of awareness and understanding about domestic violence within same-sex couples is another reason institutions should dole out punishments and suspensions with caution.

Until recently, domestic abuse within same-sex couples was largely invisible.

Chai Jindasurat, director of national programming at the New York City Anti-Violence Project voiced…

It takes some pretty detailed assessing to figure out the power dynamics of a relationship. Without a detailed understanding of relationship history and dynamics, in a same-sex relationship it can be hard to tell who’s the survivor and who’s the abuser.”

Counsellors and domestic violence advocates look at relationship history, how financial decisions are made, and the circumstances of the violent episode to determine whether a fight like the one between Griner and Johnson is an abusive situation or the result of an “unhealthy” relationship.

People arrested for domestic violence or abuse often have to go through intervention programs, like the one Griner agreed to take part in.

Jindasurat added

It is detrimental to a survivor to have to go through a program and be told everything’s your fault need to take accountability for it. If the abusive partner is not going through these programs they’re really validated in what they’ve been doing.”

Griner has said that the diversion program “is definitely making me a better person and I’m taking full advantage of it.”

Johnson has yet to respond to the charges against her, but the WNBA is requiring counseling for both women. If the couple can heal and return to the basketball court, will fans stick around to cheer them on?

Newlyweds Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson Suspended by WNBA for Domestic Dispute

Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson will both serve a seven-game suspension without pay, after their arrest in April.

Griner and Johnson were arrested on misdemeanour assault and disorderly conduct charges at their Phoenix home after a physical altercation occurred.

Brittney and Glory

According to the statement, the “confrontation escalated to include wrestling, punches, and the throwing and swinging of various objects.” Griner had a bite wound to her finger and scratches on her hand, and Johnson was diagnosed with a concussion.

Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges and was ordered to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counselling. Johnson’s case is still pending.

WNBA president Laurel J. Richie said in a statement after the organisation conducted its own investigation.

With consideration of all the facts and circumstances of this matter, we are suspending Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson each without pay for a period of seven regular-season games. Brittney and Glory’s conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the WNBA and violates applicable law. … Accordingly, each player will be required to attend individual counseling sessions with a counselor satisfactory to the WNBA.”

The couple was married shortly after they were arrested, having been engaged since August. Both have since apologised for the incident.

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WNBA stars Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson Finally Wed

Congratulations to WNBA stars Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson who were married over the weekend at a resort in Phoenix.

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Johnston, was quick to post a wedding photo on Instagram of her in a stunning strapless champagne wedding gown and Griner sported a tan suit and white tennis shoes.

Johnson-Griner Wedding Tapatio Cliffs Resort @brittneygriner

A photo posted by missvol25 (@missvol25) on

Out Atlanta Dream player Angel McCoughtry and her partner Brande Elise shared a photo from the reception.

Love my pumpkin ❤️ our first wedding together #grinerjohnsonwedding #loveislove #johnsongrinerwedding

A photo posted by Brande Elise (@brandeelise) on

The wedding comes just two weeks after the couple made headlines after an argument at their home in Goodyear, Ariz., led to a 911 call and arrests of both for assault and disorderly conduct.

On April 28, Griner accepted a plea deal to enter domestic violence counseling, after which the charges against her will be dismissed. Johnson enrolled in counseling voluntarily.

WNBA Stars and Fiancees, Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson Arrested for Assault

News stations have been going crazy reporting that WNBA stars and fiancees, Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson, were arrested for assault and disorderly conduct.

The Associated Press writes that Griner and Johnson were both arrested on Wednesday after a domestic violence situation at their house in Goodyear, 20 miles west of Phoenix.

Griner told police that she and Johnson had been arguing every day and got into each other’s faces Wednesday afternoon in the home they had bought two days earlier after Johnson said Griner “disrespected” her, according to a police report.

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Johnson told police Griner had gotten too close, so she pushed her back to get some separation and began talking to her sister, Judy Johnson, when she was pushed in the back of the head by Griner. Glory Johnson turned around and the physical altercation began, with both fighting on the floor for 4 to 6 minutes. The entire episode lasted about 20 minutes, according to the report.

Griner had a laceration on her right wrist and a tooth mark on the middle finger of her right hand after it ended up in Johnson’s mouth, according to the police report.

Johnson, who plays for the Tulsa Shock, had a cut on her lip and Julio Trejo, a friend of Griner’s, had a cut on his neck after trying to break up the fight. All three declined medical attention.

Griner also said she broke a dog bowl after throwing it against a wall during the argument.

Griner told police the fight was caused be weeks of stress, including buying a house, planning a wedding and their relationship.

The pair announced their engagement late last summer and expected to get married next month.

Griner and Johnson were released from the 4th Avenue Jail in downtown Phoenix at 4 a.m. on Thursday.

The only statements that have been made at this time are from their team representatives. Phoenix Mercury Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Pitman released this statement today:

The Mercury organization is aware of an alleged incident involving Brittney Griner. We are in the process of gathering additional information, and will have no further comment at this time.”

Glory plays for the Tulsa Shock, and the team’s president Steve Swetoha expressed a similar sentiment:

We are aware of the reports out of Phoenix regarding our player Glory Johnson. We are in the process of gathering information at this time. Of course our first concern is for Glory’s well-being and health. We are looking into the matter further and have no other comment to make at this time.”

Brittney and Glory became engaged last year and are set to marry next month. They recently appeared on an episode of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta with Glory’s family helping her find her bridal gown.

WNBA Power Couple Brittney Griner And Glory Johnson Feature On TLC’s ‘Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta’

This Friday, WNBA star Brittney Griner and her fiance Glory Johnson are featured on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.

Say Yes to the Dress is a TV Show takes place in one of the U.S.’s largest and busiest bridal salons in the southern – Bridals by Lori. Part bridal story, part fashion makeover and part family therapy session, each episode looks at the personalities and craftsmanship that come into play as the shop’s staff, headed by owner Lori Allen and fashion director Monte Durham.

After getting engaged last year, the WNBA power-couple is moving forward with their wedding plans, and that means choosing a dress.

“Dressing Glory was not as I had envisioned. I expected this fabulous athlete who would not really want to look like a traditional bride. I’m thinking maybe a pants suit—boy, was I wrong. Ultimately Glory was very traditional and was only interested in pleasing Brittany—like most other brides. This is why I love bridal—it keeps you on your toes! In the end, Glory looked glorious (no pun intended).”

Lori Allen

You can see Johnson and fiancé Brittney Griner as they try to find the perfect dress at 9 p.m. Friday on an episode of “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” on the TLC Channel

Six Out WNBA Players Whose Names You Need to Know in 2015

Despite the WNBA as we know it being quite gay friendly and accepting of all orientations, it actually has a history of shunning its gay audiences. In moves designed to draw in a straight, nuclear family crowd and avoid the ‘all female athletes are lesbians’ stereotype, the WNBA spent years trying to avoid all things lesbian.

It began at its launch in 1997 when it tried to market Sheryl Swoopes as the face of its league (Swoopes being married and pregnant at the time) and then in 1998 The Advocate reported that “don’t come out” was often the advice given to gay WNBA players. In 2000 the WNBA released a list of engaged or married players to the press in an effort to prove how small the lesbian player presence was and even by 2008 players were being taught how to wear clothes and put on make-up as if the male gaze should ever be considered in the sporting world.

The past events of one of the world’s most important establishments for women’s sports leave a dark blotch of a mark on its past. But the past is the past and after recent WNBA marketing initiatives have targeted towards lesbians, the organisation seems to be cleaning up its act. And, as the below list will show you, there are plenty of gay WNBA players for queer women to support too.

WNBA-Brittney-GrinerBrittney Griner

Brittney Griner’s name being featured on this list probably negates the wording of the title – you likely already know who she is.

The number one pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, Griner has already had massive success on the professional court. In her first game for the Phoenix Mercury she recorded two slam dunks, equalling the WNBA dunk record and becoming the first WNBA player to dunk twice in one game. She helped the team to win the 2014 WNBA title, has been named a WNBA all-star twice and was featured on the roster for the USA at the 2014 FIBA World Championship for women

Such a phenomenally talented player, Griner is also out and proud and as the first openly gay athlete to be sponsored by Nike, she also looks tremendously good whilst doing so.


WNBA-Glory-JohnsonGlory Johnson

Similarly talented is Glory Johnson. Playing collegiately for the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Johnson recorded 36 double doubles (double digit figures in two of five categories – points, steals, blocks, assists or rebounds – in one game) across the course of her collegiate career and trained under head coach Pat Summitt. For those out of the loop, Summitt holds the record for the most wins recorded in NCAA basketball history (men or women’s teams) meaning that Johnson’s talented was in good hands. Johnson was also picked 4th by Tulsa Shock in the first round of the 2012 WNBA draft and has since been named to the Western Conference All-Star team twice.

Oh and she also happens to be engaged to Brittney Griner, which is just adorable


WNBA-Angel-McCoughtryAngel McCoughtry

As worthy of the ‘supremely talented’ moniker as Johnson and Griner is Angel McCoughtry. Where Griner has dunks and blocks, McCoughtry just has outright scoring, having been a two time WNBA scoring champion as a player for Atlanta Dream (which she was drafted to as 1st overall in the 2009 draft), a two time WNBA all star and led the league in steals in 2012. The defensive side of her game isn’t shabby either, being voted as a member of the WNBA All Defensive Team in every year she’s played in the league.

As for her sexuality, McCoughtry makes hers no secret and as well as being a fantastic basketball player in the city, the community also loves her for her hosting and supporting of Atlanta pride events during Summer.


WNBA-Cappie-PondexterCappie Pondexter

Know for her scrappy play, there’s a reason that Cappie Pondexter was voted by fans as one of the top 15 players in WNBA history. That’s certainly some high praise but she has the talent to back it up having won an Olympic gold medal at Beijing 2008, she was named a WNBA all star three times and won the WNBA title with the Phoenix Mercury twice (she was even named MVP of their 2007 finals) before requesting a trade that sent her to the New York Liberty in 2010.

Off the court Pondexter is also a savvy businesswoman. She recently set up 4 Seasons Style Management, a company helps people tailor their images – showing that she has tactical sports smarts as well as business ones.


WNBA-Seimone-AugustusSeimone Augustus

Drafted number one in 2006 by the Minnesota Lynx, Seimone Augustus was named the Rookie of the Year. As her career has progressed, her talent has only increased even further having since gone on to become a five time WNBA all star, a two time WNBA champion (in 2011 she the MVP of the finals) and outside of the United States she has also been a two time EuroCup Champion and was a EuroCup MVP too.

As well as being one the most recognised WNBA players around, Augustus is also outspoken on the topic of gay rights too. In 2012 she voiced her opinion against the Minnesota gay marriage ban (marriage equality became legal in 2013), even appearing in an ESPN Outside the Lines reports with her then fiancé LaTaya Varner.


WNBA-Janel-McCarvilleJanel McCarville

Drafted number one in 2005 by the (now defunct) Charlotte Sting, Janel McCarville has played all across the international map. She’s been at New York Liberty in the US, Good Angels Košice in Slovakia, CCC Polkowice in Poland and Spartak Moscow Region in Russia. She currently plays for the Minnesota Lynx with Seimone Augustus, having been part of the side that won the 2013 WNBA title.

Like her teammate, McCarville is also outspoken and appeared in Curve Magazine in 2011 speaking openly about her sexuality, saying that it’s nothing she’s ever felt the need to hide away.

WNBA’s Brittney Griner Named Female Athlete of 2014 by Outsports

A trailblazer by many accounts, Brittney Griner made headlines when she came out ahead WNBA draft (where she was the number 1 pick).

Then, with the Phoenix Mercury she broke the WNBA dunk record, and was named the league’s defensive player of the year. Also, with her phenomenal talent she also won over fans when she helped take the Phoenix Mercury to a championship title in September.

As for other records she became the first out athlete to get a Nike campaign, showing that no, being gay does not harm your marketing potential.

Furthermore, Griner also got engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in August, which may not have set any records but it was certainly adorable.

All of this is why Outsports named the University of Baylor graduate the female athlete of the year.

Watch Brittney Griner’s in ESPN Short Film Documentary

KitschMix’s Top 10 Out Women Who Totally Rocked 2014

In terms of representation, queer women have had a fantastic year. From the many queer female characters in our movie theatres (e.g Life Partners) and in our TV shows (e.g Orange is the New Black) to the monumental human rights decisions that have taken place this year (e.g the many US states that now have same-sex marriage), things are on the up.

We’ve also seen many queer women come out – or, if they were already out, they’ve been kicking ass and taking names all year round. And so, to celebrate these out and proud ladies, we’ve put together this list!

1. Ellen Page

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Possibly the biggest coming out story of the year was when Oscar nominated actress Ellen Page came out.

After years of rumours and speculation the tiny Canadian actress put them all to bed, telling the crowd at the HRCF Time to Thrive Conference she was ‘tired of lying’ about who she is. The moving speech brought many to tears and plenty of credited it with being the reason that they themselves have come out.

And, as if her amazing speech wasn’t enough, Page also spent the year being wonderful on Twitter, most preciously by renaming people’s pets!

2. Brittney Griner

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A trailblazer by many accounts, Brittney Griner made headlines last year when she came out ahead of the 2013 WNBA draft (where she was the number 1 pick). Then, with the Phoenix Mercury she broke the WNBA dunk record in her very first game. With her phenomenal talent she also won over fans when she helped take the Phoenix Mercury to a championship title in September.

As for other records she became the first out athlete to get a Nike campaign, showing that no, being gay does not harm your marketing potential.

Furthermore, Griner also got engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in August, which may not have set any records but it was certainly adorable.

3. Mary Lambert

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While you know her best for doing the backing vocals of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ track ‘Same Love’, Mary Lambert is also a massively outspoken gay rights activist.

An out and proud lesbian herself, Lambert very often talks about religion and how it relates to sexuality as well as body image and how to appreciate yourself. Earlier this year she also launched the Body Love campaign to encourage people to love themselves.

4. Emily Rios

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Emily Rios’ name will be familiar to those who watch cult TV classics Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad but more recently you may have seen her play a young gay reporter in The Bridge.

While the show was sadly cancelled back in October after two seasons, Rios’ character in The Bridge was significant because we got to see a queer Mexican woman on our TV screens, which doesn’t happen very often. Rios also explained that “I’m gay, personally, so being Mexican and a lesbian — this is why I love the character because I deal with the same type of things with my own family.”

5. Angel Haze

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Whilst straight rapper Macklemore may have picked up plenty of awards for Same Love, its this cover by out pansexual rapper Angel Haze that feels like a more honest rendition.

This year, Haze has made headlines not just with her discography of fantastic, hard hitting lyrics but due to her love life too. Earlier this year Haze confirmed that she’s dating model Ireland Baldwin and the couple both flirt on Twitter and hilariously take down those who dismiss their relationship as ‘gal pals’.

6. Djuan Trent

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When we think of the beauty pageant scene, few people would ever refer to it as a ‘progressive industry’ yet surprisingly, at least one former contestant is outspoken about equality.

Djuan Trent, Miss Kentucky 2010, came out as ‘queer’ earlier this year explaining that she needed to hit back against those who thought that she agreed with their anti-equality views.

Trent says that she chose ‘queer ‘ because it’s a more inclusive term and that she hopes to open up the conversation about sexuality being fluid and she also wants to foster more visibility and representation of young women of colour.

7. Samira Wiley

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Samira Wiley is familiar to us as the funny and emotional inmate Poussey Washington in Orange is the New Black. Her amazing performances this season as Poussey dealt with her feelings for her best friend Taystee and as we saw flashbacks to Poussey’s difficult life as the child of an overseas soldier garnered praise and interest, but plenty were talking about Wiley this year for an altogether different reason.

It became public in September that Orange is the New Black writer Lauren Morelli would be divorcing her husband, after striking up a romance with Wiley. The pair had been acting cute together on Instagram for the past year (they were also seen looking close at the Emmys) and the fact that the couple was now out was just the previous icing on the cake.

Wiley also took to New York City’s Pride Parade with the rest of the OITNB cast, making her a bit of an advocate too.

8. Joanna Lohman

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Also garnering headline for dating a colleague is Joanna Lohman. A professional football (soccer) player for the Boston Breakers, she became engaged to fellow Breakers player Lianne Sanderson earlier this year.

Whilst players dating each other is not a total rarity in the world of women’s football (current USWNT player Abby Wambach is married to now retired player Sarah Huffman) they are the first to date a teammate.

In an interview earlier this year Lohman told a reporter that “When someone comes up to you and says, ‘Thank you for being who you are,’ it has much more of a profound impact than, ‘Good game.’”

9. Vicky Beeching

Vicky Beeching

Like the aforementioned beauty pageant scene, the world of Contemporary Christian Music is also an unlikely source of progressive opinion yet that’s exactly what gay Christian singer Vicky Beeching delivered when she came out earlier this year.

Beeching told The Independent: “What Jesus taught was a radical message of welcome and inclusion and love. I feel certain God loves me just the way I am, and I have a huge sense of calling to communicate that to young people.” helping to foster a more accepting viewpoint in the religion.

10. Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin

Finally, we have bisexual actress Anna Paquin.

Paquin came out as bisexual several years ago, following her marriage to her True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer. But does the fact that she’s married to a man make her bisexual identity any less legitimate? Of course not. however, she was forced to explain this to TV host Larry King earlier this year when he was baffled by the concept of bisexuality. Her explanation is an absolute must-see.

Who is your choice for out woman of the year? Leave a comment and let us know!

Basketball Star Brittney Griner knifed in China

On Monday, Brittney Griner was slashed in a random knife attack on in China. The Phoenix Mercury star is currently playing for a Chinese team during the WNBA off-season.

The incident happened when she was leaving practice in Shenyang, in northeast China.

A drunk knife-wielding man chased her and three teammates on to their bus. Griner was cut on her elbow, but her two thick winter coat prevented a serious injury. She did not need stitches, nor did she need to go to hospital. In fact, the next night she led Beijing Great Wall to victory over Liaoning Hengye, scoring 19 points.

One of her teammates was also slashed.

Griner said on Instagram.

‘First let me say I’m ok!!!! But last night me and 3 my teammates got chase and attack by a man with a big ass knife got a little scratch and my teammates walk away unharmed! He chase us into our bus and had us corned yelling at us then he finally left!,’

Brittney Griner

Phoenix Mercury tweeted, ‘We are thankful Brittney and her teammates are all okay after this incident.’

Griner came out as lesbian in April last year and announced her engagement to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in August.

Billie Jean King Talks About Tennis and The Progress of Gay Athletes

Billie Jean King is currently attending event surround the U.S. Open, but had some time to praise a new crop of openly gay athletes.

King, who was outed in 1981, said progress comes “one by one” and “you just keep chipping away.” She said openly gay athletes, including Brooklyn Nets player Jason Collins, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and Michael Sam, have recently paved the way for equality.

She also went on to say the more gay athletes we have, the more issue of being gay in sport will decrease.

“One of the biggest things that would help is if one of the quarterbacks who is straight, or all collectively say, `This is a non-issue. Let’s get on with it. As long as they do their job, we don’t care’… 

The Bradys, the Lucks, the Romos, Payton Manning, Eli Manning, if all those guys would just say – `This is so ridiculous, as long as the guy can play, we don’t care what color, what sexual orientation.’

If the media stops talking about it, it will be helpful. The reason we cover it, it’s an exception. That’s the way the world works, the way the news works.”

Billie Jean King

As one of the first inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, King believes less scrutiny on LGBTI players from the press would help.

‘If the media stops talking about it, it will be helpful. The reason we cover it, it’s an exception. That’s the way the world works, the way the news works.’

Billie Jean King

7 Wonderful Quotes From Lesbian Celebrities On Coming Out

Here are 7 wonderful quotes

Ellen Page came out at a Human Rights Campaign conference.

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Brittney Griner recently proposed to her girlfriend, Glory Johnson.

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Emily Rios came out after her character on The Bridge had a lesbian storyline.

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Ellen Degeneres came out in 1997.

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Portia de Rossi came out publicly in 2005 in an interview with Amanda De Cadenet.

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Laura Jane Grace came out in an interview with Rolling Stone.

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Sara Gilbert came out publicly in 2010 on The Talk.

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Image source – BuzzFeed

#WNBA’s Brittney Griner Gets Engaged to Former Tennessee Vols Star Glory Johnson

Women’s basketball stars Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson are engaged. Griner proposed to Johnson and both posted it on social media, with Griner showing a photo of her on one knee with a ring in her hand in front of Johnson on her Instagram account. Griner plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Johnson for the Tulsa Shock.

In the post, Griner wrote:

“Last Night was a Night to Remember(,) I became the happiest person on this earth! (almost pass out but when that one word came out I came back to life) Me and my baby (at)missvol25 are in it for Life!”

Johnson also had a photo on her Instagram account of Griner lying in bed with an engagement ring resting on her shoulder.

Griner has embraced her role as a prominent gay athlete since finishing a record-breaking career at Baylor. She came out last year and wrote a candid memoir, “In My Skin,” that was critical of college coach Kim Mulkey.

The 6-foot-8 center, drafted first overall by Phoenix last year, has helped lead the Mercury to a WNBA-best 27-5 record. She is averaging 15.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.9 blocks.

Johnson is averaging 15.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in her third season with Tulsa. The 6-foot-3 forward played at Tennessee.

Arizona and Oklahoma have gay marriage bans being contested in court. Oklahoma’s ban was found unconstitutional, but that decision is on hold and the state has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Watch Brittney Griner’s in ESPN Short Film Documentary

Lesbian athlete, Brittney Griner is the subject of a new short film by ESPN. The documentary shows her journey to China to play basketball during the Phoenix Mercury’s off-season.

This short film is an extension of ESPN’s feature-length, Emmy-nominated, ‘Nine for IX’ series that premiered last summer. The ‘Nine for IX’ series focused on captivating stories of women in sports told through the lens of female filmmakers. The first film, Venus Vs., premiered on July 2, 2013.

Brittney Griner, who came out last year, traveled to China for her inaugural season with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. Traveling overseas to play basketball during the off-season is a rite of passage for many WNBA players, and this film chronicles not only Griner’s journey, but also her transformation form ‘a celebrated kid with unlimited potential to a self-reliant adult with a deep inner capacity to make her championship dreams a reality’

#ProudToPlay – YouTube Celebrates Pride Month

Yesterday, YouTube along with with parent company Google, launched the huge #ProudToPlay campaign, which honours LGBT athletes, and celebrates LGBT Pride Month.

“Sports bring together people from all backgrounds and experiences through a shared passion, and YouTube shares that spirit of connecting diverse communities to make a difference. In celebration of the upcoming games in Brazil and LGBT Pride month, we’re honoring the LGBT athletes, their supporters, as well as the YouTube Creators who stand up for diversity in sports and elsewhere-all of whom help create an equal and inclusive playing field for everyone.”

Raymond Braun, YouTube Marketing Manager

They are also now encouraging YouTubers to create videos about LGBT sports issues that YouTube will highlight over the next month. The YouTube pride logo, featuring a rainbow soccer ball, will be on every YouTube page.

This is huge statement by the top two sites and continues to build momentum for 2014 as the year of the gay athlete.

LGBT athletes including Jason Collins, John Amaechi, Kobe Bryant, Brittney Griner, Robbie Rogers, John Amaechi and Darren Young will be sharing their stories on YouTube.

Organizations including GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, You Can Play, Laureus, and the LGBT Sports Coalition are supporting this campaign and work to promote equality.

“As athletes from across nations and leagues come out, sports fans throughout the world are embracing LGBT players and ejecting bias from the game. GLAAD is thrilled to support Google and YouTube in this landmark initiative to help tackle stereotypes and build understanding.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO

YouTube released the following press statement:

From the Sochi Olympics to the recent NFL draft, this year has seen a growing, global conversation about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the world of sports. Many LGBT athletes are sharing their stories on YouTube, and the support they’re getting from teammates and fans has helped others find the courage to do the same.

Sports bring together people from all backgrounds and experiences through a shared passion, and YouTube shares that spirit of connecting diverse communities to make a difference. In celebration of the upcoming World Cup in Brazil and LGBT Pride month, we’re honoring the LGBT athletes, their supporters, as well as the YouTube Creators who stand up for diversity in sports and elsewhere—all of whom help create an equal and inclusive playing field for everyone. Inspired by #ProudToLove last year, we’re calling this effort #ProudToPlay.

We applaud the courage and openness of athletes at all levels who have come out and admire their teammates, friends, families, and supporters who are all proving that it doesn’t matter who you are or who you love—what matters is that you put forward your best effort. We stand with our community in the belief that youth everywhere should all have the same opportunities to grow up and pursue their dreams and passions, on or off the field…

Sports bring together people from all backgrounds and experiences through a shared passion, and YouTube shares that spirit of connecting diverse communities to make a difference. In celebration of the upcoming World Cup in Brazil and LGBT Pride month, we’re honoring the LGBT athletes, their supporters, as well as the YouTube Creators who stand up for diversity in sports and elsewhere—all of whom help create an equal and inclusive playing field for everyone.

Inspired by #ProudToLove last year, we’re calling this effort #ProudToPlay.

Join the conversation by uploading a video talking about what being #ProudToPlay means to you. Over the course of Pride month, Logo (our parent company) will share a collection of videos about the LGBT community and sports on theYouTube Spotlight Channel.