You’ve seen the headlines. You’ve probably seen the nasty comment sections on social media too. Whenever Brittney Griner’s name comes up—whether it's about her dominant dunks, her harrowing time in a Russian prison, or her recent move to the Atlanta Dream—the same question seems to trail her like a shadow: What is Brittney Griner's gender?
It’s a question that, frankly, reveals more about our society’s narrow view of femininity than it does about the athlete herself.
Let's be clear and direct. Brittney Griner is a cisgender woman. She was assigned female at birth. She has lived her entire life as a woman. She identifies as a woman. There is no "secret" transition, no hidden medical history, and no gender-bending conspiracy. She is a 6-foot-9 powerhouse who happens to challenge what a lot of people think a woman is supposed to look like.
The Reality Behind the Rumors
Why does this keep coming up? Honestly, it’s mostly because BG doesn't fit the "Barbie" mold of professional sports.
She has a deep voice. She’s tall—really tall. In fact, as of early 2026, she remains the tallest active player in the WNBA. She’s got a lean, muscular build and an incredible wingspan that lets her swat shots into the third row. For some people, those physical traits are enough to trigger a "biological essentialism" reflex. They think: She’s too strong, too tall, and too deep-voiced to be a woman.
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That is, quite simply, nonsense.
Griner has been open about her body since she was a kid. In her 2014 memoir, In My Skin, she talked about the bullying she faced in school. People called her a boy. They teased her about her chest. They made her feel "less than human" because she didn't hit the standard milestones of "soft" femininity.
"I’m sure people are going to have a lot of critical things to say," she told ESPN Magazine back in 2015 when she posed for their Body Issue. "Yo, she’s a man! But hey, that’s my body and I look the way I look."
Addressing the "Transgender" Misconception
Because the conversation around gender identity has become so prominent in the last few years, the rumors about Griner have morphed. In the past, people just called her "masculine." Now, some corners of the internet insist she must be transgender.
She isn't.
While the WNBA has had openly transgender and non-binary players—like Layshia Clarendon, who was a trailblazer for the community—Griner is not one of them. She is a queer woman, a lesbian, and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, but her gender identity matches the sex she was assigned at birth.
Why the Confusion Persists
- Athletic Dominance: In many sports, if a woman is "too good," skeptics immediately look for a reason to disqualify her. Think back to the scrutiny Caster Semenya faced.
- Voice and Height: Society often associates a deep baritone and extreme height with masculinity. Griner naturally has both.
- Gender Expression: Griner prefers "men's" clothing. She was actually the first woman Nike signed to model their menswear line. This is about style, not gender identity.
It’s easy for people to conflate gender expression (how you dress and act) with gender identity (who you are inside). Griner leans into a masculine aesthetic because that's where she feels comfortable. That doesn't make her a man.
The WNBA’s Standing on Gender
If there were any actual question about Griner’s eligibility, the WNBA—and the International Olympic Committee—would have addressed it years ago. Griner is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. To compete at that level, athletes undergo rigorous vetting.
The WNBA has clear policies regarding transgender participation. As of 2025 and into 2026, the league has maintained a progressive stance, allowing transgender women to compete if they meet specific hormone-level requirements. But again, these rules don't even apply to Griner because she is cisgender.
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Life in 2026: Beyond the Court
Griner's life lately has been about way more than just defending the paint. Since her release from Russia in late 2022, she’s been on a mission.
Just this month, in January 2026, she launched a new company called Zennjet. It’s a travel membership service designed to help people—especially those with medical prescriptions—navigate the complex web of international drug laws. It’s a direct response to her 10-month nightmare in a Russian penal colony.
"I never want anybody to go through what I went through," she said during the launch.
Whether she’s playing for the Dream or helping travelers stay safe, she’s doing it as herself. She’s stopped trying to appease the people who want her to wear a dress or speak in a higher register.
Actionable Insights: Moving Past the Noise
When you hear people debating what is Brittney Griner's gender, here is the most helpful way to handle it:
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- Stick to the facts: Griner is a cisgender woman. Period.
- Understand "Androgyny": Remind people that androgyny is a style and a physical trait, not a gender identity.
- Audit your sources: If a website is claiming Griner "failed a gender test," check the URL. Most of these "news" stories come from satire sites or blogs with an agenda.
- Focus on the game: Griner’s 2025 season with the Dream was statistically one of her toughest, but her impact on the league’s visibility remains massive.
The next time the "is she or isn't she" debate pops up on your feed, you can confidently set the record straight. Brittney Griner is a woman who happens to be a generational athlete. She isn't hiding anything. She’s just being BG.
To get the most out of following the WNBA this year, keep an eye on how the league handles roster limits and new expansion teams. Griner’s veteran presence in Atlanta will be a major storyline as the 2026 season approaches, especially as she enters unrestricted free agency.