In the annals of sports history, few moments stand as pivotal as Sue Wicks’ decision to come out publicly in 2002. As a star player for the New York Liberty, Wicks was not just making a championship run but also breaking barriers as the first openly gay WNBA player. Her journey, from the courts of New York to the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame, is a testament to her courage and the evolving landscape of professional sports.
Wicks’ coming out was a defining moment, not just for her but for the entire WNBA. During an interview with Time Out New York the reporter asked her outright if she was gay. This direct question was a big deal at the time, as it was not something commonly discussed in sports. Wicks’ matter-of-fact response was a simple ‘yes,’ reflecting her straightforward approach to her identity. Today, as she is inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame, Wicks remains humble about her iconic status, preferring to celebrate the new generation of openly gay players who are making their mark on the league.
Early Life and Career
Before her historic coming out, Wicks was already living her truth in the vibrant queer community of New York City. She frequented parties in the West Village and visited Henrietta Hudson, a lesbian-owned queer bar, with her girlfriend and a group of friends. The anonymity of the ’90s allowed her to enjoy her personal life away from the public eye. ‘I think in life, you come out to yourself. Maybe your mom already knows. She’s just waiting for you to come out. And then you come out to yourself, a friend, your family, the close people around you. Then maybe work,’ Wicks explained.
Wicks’ career with the New York Liberty spanned five years, during which she became a beloved figure in the league. She was part of the inaugural Liberty team in 1997 and quickly became a fan favorite. Her teammates, including legends like Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, and Becky Hammon, formed a tight-knit group that supported each other both on and off the court. Wicks’ pride in her team and their camaraderie is evident when she speaks about those early years. ‘I’m proud and feel lucky that I was [playing] in ‘97 on that first [New York Liberty] team,’ she said.
The Locker Room Dynamics
One of the most entertaining aspects of Wicks’ career was the locker room dynamics, particularly the discovery of WNBA fanfiction. The players would read a fantasy series about the New York Liberty players, all depicted as gay. Wicks recalls laughing with Rebecca Lobo and Becky Hammon as they read the stories. ‘They were asking me for dating advice, position advice, and the young ones wanted to learn from me. And I’m like, How did I get to be that in this person’s mind?’ Wicks said with a laugh. This lighthearted moment highlights the close relationships and sense of community within the team.
The Evolution of the WNBA
Looking back on the league’s 30-year history, Wicks reflects on how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. The WNBA has seen significant growth, from the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to players signing historic multi-million dollar deals. ‘Here’s what I’m worth. Pay me. That was the dream. We didn’t talk like that,’ Wicks remarked, highlighting the progress in player compensation. She also praised the growing representation in the league, including the viral content creators Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, known as the StudBudz. ‘It’s something that we all have witnessed and experienced inside of teams but now the world [gets to see it],’ Wicks said.
Despite leaving the league in 2002, Wicks has remained a prominent figure in the WNBA. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and is often seen courtside at Barclays Center cheering for the Liberty. Her love for the game is evident as she admits to still dreaming about playing. ‘I’ll dream about playing. I mean, it’s something I can’t do anymore. And to play at a high level like that with a team was the best time of my life,’ she said.
