BRITTNEY AND CHERELLE GRINER
Brittney Griner (right) is considered one of the best female basketball players in the world. The WNBA All-Star and Olympic Gold medalist began her basketball career at Baylor University, where she led her team to a national championship and won the Naismith Player of the Year Award in 2012. Drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 2013, Brittney quickly made a name for herself in the basketball world as the WNBA’s leader in blocked shots and points per game. An indomitable force on the court, Brittney’s many achievements have earned her the admiration of countless fans. But her relationship with wife Cherelle Griner is equally inspiring. Brittney and Cherelle met at Baylor University as undergraduates but only began dating after reconnecting years later. The pair married in June 2019 and have been melting hearts ever since, frequently sharing their love on social media. Cherelle, a former teacher turned attorney, has always been Brittney’s biggest fan, showing her support both on and off the court. Cherelle’s devotion to her wife was never more apparent than during Britteny’s nearly year-long detainment in Russia in 2022, after Russian officials discovered a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Though heartbroken and terrified, Cherelle tirelessly advocated for her wife’s return to the U.S. Her frequent updates for fans on social media earned the attention of millions worldwide. In December 2022, Cherelle’s unwavering support and tireless efforts paid off: the pair were reunited following Brittney’s release in a prisoner exchange. The Griners’ relationship is a beautiful demonstration of love that prevails across borders and obstacles, and their devotion to one another is a shining example of the power of lesbian love.
