Brittney Griner Comes Out Publicly For The First Time That She Is Gay In Hopes To Help Others Come Out And Be Comfortable With Who They Are [VIDEO]

Brittney Griner comes out publicly that she is a lesbian.

The number-one overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft Monday took another step in trying to be a role model for her peers and younger generations.

Brittney Griner came out while conducting an interview with Sports Illustrated, along with the second and third-overall picks Elena Donne and Skylar Diggans.

The trio was asked on why in women sports it is easier to come out and be gay, but it isn't as acceptable with men.

"I really couldn't give an answer on why that's so different," Griner answered with SI.com. "Being one that's out, it's just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are."

Griner came out publicly and admitted she was gay with that answer.

"Don't worry about what other people are going to say, because they're always going to say something, but, if you're just true to yourself, let that shine through," Griner said. "Don't hide who you really are."

Brittney Griner was named the 2012 AP Division I Player of the Year and 2012 Final Four Most Outstanding Player during her four years at Baylor. The six-foot-eight, three-time All-America center national champion was also a three-time Big 12 player of the year and four-time defensive player of the year.

Griner said she's comfortable with her sexuality and didn't have much of a problem coming out.

"It really wasn't too difficult," she said. "I wouldn't say I was hiding or anything like that. I've always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn't hard at all. If I can show that I'm out and I'm fine and everything's OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way."

The only roadblock was her parents. She said it wasn't a problem, but she never fully told them she was gay.

"My parents didn't know at the time," Griner told the newspaper. "I hadn't come out completely. It was kind of like, you know ... I just hadn't said it. My dad and my mom have always told me, 'Be who you are.' At the time, they probably weren't sure what I was interpreting that as," she said with a laugh.