"Disgusting" and "Unacceptable": Homophobic Threats Rain Down on Brittney Griner and Wife Cherelle After WNBA Finals
The joyous celebration of the WNBA Finals was overshadowed by a wave of homophobic threats aimed at Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle. After the Phoenix Mercury's victory, social media platforms were flooded with hateful messages, targeting the couple's relationship and Griner's sexuality.
It was supposed to be a night of pure joy. The Mercury had just clinched the championship, and Griner was a key part of the team's success. But the victory was quickly tainted by the hateful online backlash. The vile comments targeted Griner and Cherelle's relationship, using slurs and insults that are frankly, just plain disgusting.
**This isn't the first time the couple has faced this kind of abuse. **Griner, an openly gay athlete, has long been a target of homophobia. She's faced criticism and backlash throughout her career, even in the face of her incredible achievements. But these recent attacks, coming after a hard-fought championship win, seem particularly vicious. They show that even in 2023, homophobia is a serious problem that impacts athletes and LGBTQ+ individuals in all walks of life.
How do we stop this kind of hate? It's a question we need to ask ourselves, especially in the wake of this latest incident. The answer isn't simple. We need to call out hate speech when we see it. We need to educate ourselves and others about the realities of LGBTQ+ lives. And we need to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe and accepted.
It's not enough to just celebrate the wins. We need to stand up for those who are targeted and marginalized. Let's make it clear: homophobia has no place in our society. We need to stand with Brittney Griner, Cherelle, and all LGBTQ+ individuals in the face of this unacceptable hate.