Basketball is a game of resilience, where every player faces their unique battles. For WNBA veteran Brittney Griner, the court has often been a place where she can showcase her strength, but off the court, she’s had to navigate through adversity too. Recently, it wasn’t a basketball opponent she was up against—it was an unfortunate incident with American Airlines.

The airline misgendered Griner, turning a routine flight into another unwanted reminder of the hurdles she faces, even as one of the most prominent athletes in the world.  A recent post by Griner on Instagram Threads read, “Hey American Airlines, could you plz help your employees understand the rules for bags on a flight! Also just because you yell sir in my face loud as [expletive] doesn’t make you right! Thank you 😊.” The post was a direct response to an experience that Griner, who has long been outspoken about her gender identity and sexuality, was forced to endure recently.

This wasn’t the first time Griner’s identity was questioned in public—on and off the court. In fact, back in 2023, the star was harassed at a Dallas airport by a man who was yelling at her about “the Merchant of Death”—a reference to Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer who was part of her highly publicized prisoner swap. The confrontation escalated, resulting in law enforcement involvement. The WNBA condemned the incident, labeling the actions of the provocateur as “inappropriate and unfortunate.”

But this current incident with American Airlines is more than just a single misstep. For Griner, a queer Black woman in a sport often underappreciated compared to its male counterparts, these moments are emblematic of the challenges she faces a lot.

From boos to bold moves: Brittney Griner’s unyielding impact on basketball and beyond

When Griner entered the WNBA back in 2013 as the top overall pick, it was a groundbreaking moment. She became the most prominent openly gay athlete in basketball, paving the way for others to live authentically. During her draft night interview, ESPN host Holly Rowe asked, “How are you looking forward to playing with a little bit more freedom?” Griner answered with a confident, “Definitely looking forward to the freedom.“

But even with that boldness, freedom—on and off the court—hasn’t come easily. Griner’s journey to embracing her identity has been intertwined with struggle, whether it’s dealing with backlash or being confronted by harassment at the airport.

Now, more than a decade later, Griner remains a lightning rod for conversation. Her recent appearance at a Carolina Panthers game on February 8 proved as much when the social media-friendly broadcast failed to capture the loud boos that greeted her as she led a “Let’s go Panthers” chant.

But Griner isn’t dwelling on the noise. After 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, she’s making a bold move to the Atlanta Dream on a one-year deal, looking for a fresh start. With a new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon in 2026, this short-term contract positions her for the next big leap in her career.

Love her or not, one thing is undeniable—Griner isn’t just playing the game; she’s still shaping its future.