Brittney Griner Criticizes American Airlines After Baggage Incident

Brittney Griner recently criticized American Airlines on social media after an incident where an employee misgendered her during a flight, turning a routine travel experience into an uncomfortable confrontation. This incident is another chapter in Griner's ongoing struggles with public perception and identity, as she has faced harassment in the past, notably during a 2023 airport altercation involving comments about her highly publicized prisoner swap. Griner, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream after a successful tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, emphasized that her move was motivated by more than financial reasons, hinting at the importance of the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. She expressed her determination to stay true to her decisions, stating, "I stick with it." Griner's public complaints reflect the broader challenges she faces as an openly queer Black woman in a sport that often lacks recognition compared to men's basketball. The WNBA has previously condemned instances of harassment against her, illustrating the ongoing support for her rights and identity.