Statement on Brittney Griner Release: National LGBTQ Task Force

THE FOLLOWING CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO KIERRA JOHNSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE:

"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."

FOR MORE INFO GO TO www.thetaskforce.org