WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle, are expecting their first child this July. This joyous news should be met with nothing but well wishes and congratulations. However, it’s likely to stir negativity from some clinging to outdated views on family structure.
It was not too long ago (2022) that Brittney was detained in Russia by airport customs agents after finding a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil. The world witnessed how traumatic that experience was for the eight-time WNBA All-Star to spend 10 months in prison, and after her release, you can only imagine the luxury of normalcy, peace, and safety. Plus, when two grown married adults want to choose a family plan, why should it pain you regardless of your beliefs?
Studies show that children raised by same-sex couples thrive just as well as those in traditional families. Love, stability and a supportive environment are the key ingredients for healthy child development, not the parents’ gender. After all, there are many children with heterosexual parents who come from broken homes, and that’s not fair to the children either.
So why does Brittney Griner’s family spark negativity amongst some? Or why are people still ignorant over the likelihood of same-sex couples wanting babies? It likely stems from a deep-seated discomfort with non-traditional family structures. Some might fear a “breakdown” of traditional values or perhaps a challenge to their heteronormative worldview. But here’s the truth: Brittney Griner’s family doesn’t diminish anyone else’s. It simply adds another beautiful mosaic to the ever-evolving landscape of what a family can be.
These outdated views often stem from a place of fear and misunderstanding. Perhaps some worry about the child’s well-being, but these concerns are unfounded. Love is love, and Brittney and Cherelle are overjoyed to welcome a child. They’ll undoubtedly create a loving and nurturing environment for their little one to flourish.
The negativity directed at Brittney Griner’s family ultimately hurts no one but those perpetuating it. Instead, let’s celebrate Brittney and Cherelle as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Let’s celebrate the love that will undoubtedly fill their home.
The world is changing, and it’s time our perspectives do, too, even if it challenges our upbringing.
Let’s embrace the joy of Brittney Griner’s growing family and celebrate the love that will guide their child’s journey because if you were in her shoes, that would be the same energy you’d hope people give you.
