"Queer culture is a significant and embraced part of the WNBA identity, with a high percentage of players being openly LGBTQ+ and the league serving as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. This culture extends to widespread fan engagement and support, a higher profile presence of queer media coverage, and a league history that moved from overlooking, to eventually embracing, its LGBTQ+ community and fans."
"In the WNBA's early years, the league actively marketed to a heterosexual audience and pressured players to hide their identities. A turning point occurred in around 2014 when the league adopted a Pride platform that recognized the importance of its long-standing LGBTQ+ fanbase. Now, the WNBA is at the forefront in the sports world of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion, with many players-such as Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman-using their platforms to advocate for social justice and equality."
Queer culture is a prominent and embraced element of the WNBA identity, reflected in a high proportion of openly LGBTQ+ players and the league's leadership on inclusion in professional sports. Fan engagement, queer media coverage, and community support reinforce visible queer presence at games and related venues. The league shifted from marketing to a heterosexual audience and pressuring players to hide identities to adopting a Pride platform around 2014, recognizing LGBTQ+ fans. Many players use platforms to advocate for social justice and equality. Estimates place roughly 38% of players as LGBTQ+, and the Golden State Valkyries include at least three openly queer players.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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