GLAAD:
GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, is responding to news that Brittney Griner has been released from prison in Russia. President Biden tweeted this morning with photos of an elated President Biden, Vice President Harris and Griner's wife Cherelle in the Oval Office this morning:
"Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home."
Statement from GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis:
"Brittney Griner's long awaited release is a relief for her wife, teammates, fans and all in the LGBTQ community who recognized the extreme danger she faced as an out gay Black woman detained in Putin's Russia. Brittney's wife Cherelle never gave up fighting for her safe return, and President Biden and the State Department never wavered in their commitment to the Griners and the LGBTQ community on Brittney's behalf. We can't wait to welcome Britney home."
Human Rights Campaign:
WASHINGTON —Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the following statement regarding the recent release of wrongfully detained WNBA superstar Brittney Griner:
"The wait is over. Brittney Griner is coming home, and not a moment too soon," said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "Brittney is so much more than a WNBA superstar and Olympian, she is an American hero who had undergone unfathomable hardship. After being wrongfully held for 294 days away from her home, her friends, and most importantly her family, we celebrate her release. The HRC family is grateful for the State Department's efforts to free her — and to any member of our community facing hate and extremism — your community will never stop fighting for you, just like we never stopped fighting for Brittney."
National LGBTQ Task Force, Kierra Johnson, ED :
"From day one, our hearts have been with Brittney Griner, her wife Cherelle, her family and countless fans. So many raised their voices to call for her return, a movement to #freeBG that included the WNBA, the LGBTQ community around the world and millions of fans and others. Number 42 has been hanging on my wall as a daily reminder of the violence and discrimination Black people, LGBTQ folks and women regularly endure in this country and around the world. After being held for months in a Russian prison on drug charges, we are overjoyed and relieved she has been released today in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout. We thank President Biden and all those who relentlessly negotiated and advocated for her release and return to her family. Now her jersey will be a celebration and reminder of the resilience of our people and the power of our community
We advocate for the swift return of every American being held against their will as political pawns of governments that have wrongfully detained them, especially Paul Whelan. No one should have to endure what these families have, and we must continue to fight for their freedom."
