'I know who I am': Brittney Griner's radical existence

[tulipsandroses]

Was thinking about buying her memoir today and came across this article. Long but good read

SNIP——-

On the court, further adversities emerged as Griner did on the national stage, when during her sophomore year of high school, the famous “High School Girl Dunker” video hit the internet. “I was feeling pretty good about my body,” Griner writes. “I was getting stronger, and being an athlete gave me a sense of focus.”

But alongside positive remarks about her professional future were comments along the lines of, “You sure that’s a girl?” — except many more pronounced and contemptuous, demanding proof of her gender as they derided her accomplishment because she’s tall, because she’s Black. As if Black women aren’t allowed to be Black women anymore because they choose to use their bodies to play sports.

SNIP—

”I sometimes worried about looking so powerful,” Griner writes of her final Baylor home game in the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament. Before the game, the Baylor radio commentator had playfully challenged her to record three dunks against Florida State, since no woman had ever done it before. “You think guys ever worry about that stuff?” she asks. “I’m afraid to dunk because people might think I’m too strong.”
SNIP—-

“I stand out in the world, and I love that about myself,” Griner writes. “I didn’t always feel this way, but I’ve come to discover that the more I embrace who I am, the more I connect with other people. And the more I connect with other people, the more I learn about myself.” Resistance, pride of identity, beating the odds — and then, self-acceptance. Radical on their own, but for a Black queer woman athlete at the edge of the world — with an unashamedly powerful dunk — it’s practically revolutionary.

https://www.swishappeal.com/platform/amp/2018/6/29/17508976/wnba-2018-book-review-in-my-skin-i-know-who-i-am-brittney-griners-radical-existence-pride-lgbtq

[NJCher]

1. I was admiring Griner today

In the tv news clips. It was so gratifying to see the look on her face when she was in the car. That look of hope and joy.

I admit I find height in general to be physically beautiful and Griner carries herself so confidently. I would guess her athleticism has much to do with it.

Her wife cherelle is also very attractive but doesn’t have the height thing going for her.

[ShazzieB]

2. I haven't seen those clps yet, but I look forward to them!

I got really bummed out last night by the people who were criticizing Biden's decision to get her out when Putin refused to release Whelan. As well as the ones who were complaining about Bout being swapped for her. Talk about letting "perfect" be the enemy of "good"!

It was refreshing to come here and see this upbeat post about what a terrific person she is, after all that negativity.