Back in 2015, WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner stripped naked for ESPN’s annual Body Issue, proudly displaying her gorgeous 6-ft., 8-in., 205-lb build to fans as well as critics and haters alike. It certainly conveyed a clear and resounding message that she had nothing to hide.
For the longest time, Griner has faced discrimination over her physical appearance. She didn’t fit the traditional beauty standard imposed by society over women. And she was far off the mark from the feminine style that was expected of a woman.
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According to the basketball player, her feet were size 17 men’s, which was even bigger than former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. She could also palm a basketball since she was just a freshman in high school (and her hands were even bigger than Lebron James’).
“For me, it’s a very tall world. Just walking around, it’s kind of like being on display at a museum, like being on display 24/7,” the athlete shared.
Even her voice was picked on by many because she had that deep-sounding one that was always associated with men.
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However, she was ready to change her narrative and embrace being different – critics be damned. In her interview with the magazine, she said that she was sure people would have a lot of critical things to say about her photos, like how ‘she’s a man.’
She wasn’t into trying to fit in the standards anymore. That was how her body looked – athletically lanky – and she wouldn’t apologize for it.
Griner said, “People are either going to accept me for who I am or they’re not.” Griner also added that she didn’t know what people thought she was hiding but wanted them to see somebody who embraced being naked. More importantly, someone who embraced everything about them that was different.
During the shoot, she was just so comfortable walking around butt-naked. In between, staff would bring her robe to put on, but she just said that she didn’t need it and was all good sitting down without anything on.
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It was a simple photo, but it spoke volumes about celebrating oneself and how diverse people are. You don’t need to conform to anything. You just have to be you and learn to be comfortable with your own skin.
Aside from being different, looks-wise, the all-star player also didn’t conform to society’s gender binary. Before entering the league, Griner publicly came out in 2013 and is one of the most prominent openly gay basketball players.
She is considered a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights and their visibility in sports. She married her wife Cherelle in 2019.
You can check out Brittney Griner’s naked photo for ESPN below.
BasketBall Player Brittney Griner Goes Naked For ESPN's Body Issue – PHOTOS – http://t.co/x3MctoifYl pic.twitter.com/AJDqVJB9qB
— Africayaa (@africayaa) July 7, 2015
GAC Post: Brittney Griner Poses Naked For Body Issue Despite Allegedly Being Deadbeat Dad … http://t.co/OAd8IFO39L pic.twitter.com/kcfsNohetL
— Shaina Wiel (@ShaiMW) July 6, 2015
