Sue Bird is considered one of the nation’s most prominent queer athletes, but her journey to being openly gay was not straightforward. The WNBA legend embraced her role as a grand marshal at the 2024 Seattle Pride Parade alongside fiancee Megan Rapinoe, both representing the city where they have achieved remarkable athletic success.
During an interview with Erin Edwards of the Seattle Times, Bird candidly discussed how she initially struggled with her identity when she first entered the league as the overall top pick for the Seattle Storm in 2002. Reflecting on those early days, Bird acknowledged her internal conflict. I remember my rookie year in Seattle. I knew I was gay,”
Bird shared. I had girlfriends at that point, but it wasn’t something I talked about publicly [or] expressed publicly. And I remember I was in town for Pride. I snuck up to Capitol Hill just to check it out. I tried to keep a low profile, I bopped around a little bit during the day.
Bird’s evolution over the years has been significant. She began coming out to those around her at age 23 and by the time she reached 30, pretty much everybody in my life knew.
The encounter that truly transformed her outlook was meeting Megan Rapinoe, who profoundly influenced Bird to understand the importance of being open about one’s sexuality.
It was actually [crystallized] in meeting Megan and listening to her talk about how important it was to come out because it’s going to help other people come out, it’s going to help other people feel comfortable in their skin and how important that is in terms of being a role model,
Bird expressed.
I never really looked at it that way. That’s why I publicly came out as late as I did.
The conversation also offered insights into other areas of Bird’s life and career, including her experiences playing overseas. When asked about playing basketball in Russia, she shared some intriguing details. The conversation shifts immediately to Russia. “What’s it like playing there? What’s the culture there? How are you taken care of? I hear you got this and I hear you have a chef,”
she said, highlighting the curiosity surrounding women’s basketball internationally.
Sue Bird has undoubtedly become an iconic figure not just within the realms of sports but also as an influential voice in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Her journey from a young athlete struggling with her identity to becoming a pioneering force speaks volumes about courage and resilience.
Follow Us
