Brittney Griner’s voice is a topic of constant discussion. It’s not just her towering 6’9” frame or her slam-dunking prowess that gets people talking—it’s her deep voice that leaves some questioning her femininity. In a world obsessed with categorizing people based on arbitrary markers, her voice becomes a symbol of society’s discomfort with those who don’t fit the traditional mold.
But defining someone’s athleticism or worth based on their appearance or voice is as outdated as thinking women’s basketball can’t be thrilling. Griner is a force in sports—an icon in the WNBA, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a beacon of pride for the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, many still fall prey to the age-old traps of gender stereotyping.
As we dive into Griner’s career, let’s unravel why these accusations are less about her and more about societal biases that need to be addressed.
Brittney Griner’s WNBA career and Hollywood highlights
Brittney Griner’s WNBA career has been anything but ordinary. From her historic rookie season to becoming a six-time All-Star, her presence on the court is undeniable. Drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, she quickly made her mark with two dunks in a game—a feat that was previously unheard of in the women’s league.
But more than just her dunking ability, her defensive prowess became her trademark. In 2014, Griner made history again by setting a record for 11 blocks in a single game (via ESPN). That year, she helped her team win the WNBA Championship and showed everyone that dominance in the league wasn’t just for the men.
Griner’s story isn’t just confined to basketball; she’s also ventured into the film world. In 2015, she was featured in the documentary Out to Win, shedding light on the challenges of being an openly LGBTQ+ athlete.
More recently, the film Bigger Than Life (2024) delves into her impact at Baylor University, capturing the essence of her career and its influence.
Brittney Griner’s unapologetic journey of self-acceptance and athleticism
Brittney Griner’s athleticism is often questioned because she doesn’t fit the typical mold of femininity—an expectation placed more on appearance than on ability. But let’s not kid ourselves: what does it even mean to be a “female athlete”? Is it determined by the pitch of one’s voice, or by the medals they bring home? Griner, who publicly came out as a lesbian in 2013, has always been unapologetically herself.
People have questioned her for looking too masculine or sounding too deep. As she once said in her 2014 memoir, In My Skin (via The Guardian):
I guess I started feeling different when everybody started telling me I was.
In her memoir In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court, she opens up about the difficulties of growing up different, her fight against bullying, and how she came to embrace her authentic self.
Griner’s most public personal relationship was with fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson. The two were married in 2015, but their relationship was marked by controversy. Just weeks before their wedding, Griner and Johnson were both arrested for an altercation at their home. Despite this rocky start, they tied the knot in May 2015. However, the marriage was short-lived, as they filed for an annulment later that year.
The following years were a journey of self-discovery and personal growth for Griner. In 2019, Griner married Cherelle Watson, an educator and a lawyer. The couple had been dating for a while before tying the knot (see US Today). Their marriage became even more symbolic of the bond and support they shared during one of the most trying times in Griner’s life.
Fans react: Unpacking the unwarranted criticism
Some fans took to X, openly commenting on Brittney Griner’s voice—particularly its deep tone—leading to a surprising wave of comments questioning her gender and, by extension, her identity as a female athlete. It’s as if people were looking for a reason to question her place in the WNBA, as if a woman with a voice like hers could somehow shake their understanding of gender norms.
Many of these critiques came from men, who seemed to feel threatened by her unapologetically strong, unique presence. Let’s read a few comments:
Wait, I am super confused. I thought this was a trans man all along, are y’all saying this is actually a trans woman???
— Valdosta (@Valdosterini) March 14, 2025
What? I thought she was very well spoken, articulate and authentic. I don’t have a problem with that. @brittneygriner
— Kristy Becker (@evms_princess) March 14, 2025
Griner has always been a dude. Biggest psyop ever. He wasn’t going to cut it in basketball as a guy so he pretended to be female. Anyone who has met and talked to him knows that isn’t a female.
— 🇺🇸Pure Blood 55🇺🇸 (@pureblood55) March 14, 2025
Dude got a deep voice. That Adams Apple too. But let’s turn a blind eye
— Erik (@BetsandBirdies) March 14, 2025
And it’s a Mans voice 😂 pic.twitter.com/Ee1Tw98J47
— ArrowheadLoud (@ArrowheadLoud) March 14, 2025
Here’s the thing, though: why are we so hung up on how someone’s voice sounds? What does that have to do with her skill on the court? Brittney Griner is a powerhouse who has shattered records and expectations with her athleticism, but instead of celebrating her for that, some fans can’t help but focus on the least important aspects of her being.
These reactions not only detract from her incredible accomplishments but also reflect the deeply ingrained biases that still persist in sports and society. The fact that Griner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, continues to be questioned in this way shows just how far we have to go in terms of accepting female athletes for who they are, inside and out.
It’s frustrating, to say the least. But Griner, as always, stands tall (literally and figuratively), refusing to let outdated stereotypes define her. What she’s done in her career should speak for itself—no voice commentaries are required!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
