LGBTQ+ Representation's Journey: Evolution of Openness in the WNBA Arena
The WNBA has transformed into a platform for some of the most influential queer figures in American sports, with icons like Sue Bird, Candace Parker, and Layshia Clarendon gracing the league. The league saw its first openly coupled players, like Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, who once played for the Chicago Sky, but the journey wasn't always smooth sailing.
The official recognition of Pride Month in the WNBA calendar came in 2014, a full 12 years after Sue Wicks, a groundbreaking player, publicly acknowledged her lesbian identity – making her the first WNBA player to come out of the closet[1]. This was more than a decade before the NBA saw its first open player in Jason Collins[1].
Sue Bird and the Early Struggles of Visibility
Sue Bird bravely came out in 2017, in an ESPN feature, shortly after starting a relationship with her now-fiancée, the renowned Megan Rapinoe[1][2]. Bird shared her feelings on Sports Center the day of the feature's release:
"Honestly, there was no thought process behind this. I've always felt uncomfortable with this whole moment of like me, loudly announcing, 'Hey, look at me. I'm gay over here'. That was never gonna be my thing. That's just not me." [2]
Although the league showed support for the LGBTQ+ community, players were still met with limited freedom to express themselves openly[1]. Bird revealed in a podcast episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out that she was advised to uphold a "straight" image during early marketing stages to secure success, which was a heart-wrenching experience for her[2].
A New Era: Layshia Clarendon and Trailblazing Gender Identity
As the landscape has changed, today's players reap the benefits of the courage of those who paved the way. One such player is Layshia Clarendon – the first player in the league to come out as trans and nonbinary[1]. Clarendon shared her gender identity following the 2020 season and announced in 2021 that she had undergone top surgery[1].
On Instagram, Clarendon wrote about her post-surgery experience:
"It's hard to put into words the feeling of seeing my chest for the first time unburdened by breasts, seeing my chest the way I've always seen it, and feeling a sense of gender euphoria as opposed to gender dysphoria." [3]
Clarendon faced criticism from right-wing media outlets, but the New York Liberty, her team at the time, announced their full support:
"The New York Liberty family is in full support of Layshia Clarendon and their choice to live authentically... Layshia's journey as a pioneering athlete, along with their activism and advocacy work, is an inspiring call for each of us to honor our humanity above all else." [3]
Embracing Authenticity: Navigating without Coming Out
Days like Pride are no longer essential for queer players in the WNBA to feel comfortable living their truth. Many players, like Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith and her teammate DiJonai Carrington, simply live their authentic lives without fear of backlash or institutional resistance[1].
"The league has grown a lot," Smith commented on the progress. "A while back, a lot of people didn't want to embrace that aspect of their life. And I think people are a lot more open to it, a lot more relationships you see. So I think it just shows like the game is developing, and people are embracing what they are, and stuff like that." [1]
Erica Wheeler, a teammate on the Seattle Storm, agreed:
"I think it's crucial because I think we shouldn't be judged by our likes and loves. I think we are all just humans, so I think it's essential that the league is empowering us in that way. Me, personally, I've never experienced any backlash or anything bad when it comes to that." [1]
For players like Smith and Wheeler, who have never issued formal coming-out statements, the current climate offers a liberating sense of normalcy. They can focus on basketball and be the best they can be without worries about making coming-out announcements or fearing backlash due to their identities[1].
"It lets you live free of stress. You don't have to worry about [hiding] things from anyone, or people using something against you," said Smith. "So I think it's like I say, it just shows how much the league has grown now. There's pride nights, and they're embracing it a lot more so. I think it's good for us." [1]
[1] Enrichment Data[2] Based on interviews and articles about Sue Bird's experience in the WNBA, such as an interview on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast.[3] Based on Layshia Clarendon's Instagram post and the New York Liberty's tweet in support of Clarendon.
Nalyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington, members of the Dallas Wings, exemplify the new era in the WNBA by living their authentic lives without fear of backlash or resistance, demonstrating the league's progress towards accepting and embracing queer players.
Layshia Clarendon, a trailblazing player for the New York Liberty, serves as an inspiration for future generations as she navigates her journey as the first trans and nonbinary player in the league, receiving support from her team despite criticism from right-wing media outlets.
