Gabby Williams just became a WNBA champion. Her message to LGBTQ fans is even bigger.
Gabby Williams has been an outspoken supporter of trans people and inclusion. The perfect fit for the Valkyries and San Francisco.
Mark
Gabby Williams is many things. A superstar who scored 28 points in the second half of the 2026 WNBA Finals Game 7. A WNBA Finals champion and WNBA Finals MVP.
Just as important, and quite possibly of even bigger impact, she’s a supporter of making all people feel included, especially LGBTQ fans.
Williams, who previously said she’d be okay with playing alongside or against a transgender player in the WNBA, spoke in depth after winning the title about how much playing in San Francisco and amongst the Valkyries fanbase has made her feel safe.
“I’ve said it multiple times that Ballhalla became my safe space,” she said after becoming a WNBA champion, according to Valkyries reporter Kenzo Fukuda.
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Ballhalla is the nickname for the Valkyries’ home arena they share with the Warriors, Chase Center.
“I mean, I’ll never stop fighting for those who maybe can’t fight for themselves in this moment.
“I’ll continue to use my platform in that way, but it’s scary, you know,” she said, talking about physical threats she’s received.
“There was some security issues and stuff, and there were moments where I was like, how am I gonna play through all this? And then I would walk into Ballhalla and be like, oh, that’s how, that’s how.
“So I want to thank our fan base for just being themselves because it allowed me to be myself, and that’s you. This is what the Bay Area is all about. The Bay Area is a pioneer in these kinds of issues and topics.
“So I’m proud to represent the Bay.”
Gabby Williams shares her love for all in the Bay Area
This is some much-needed support for LGBTQ people, including those in the Bay Area, after the San Francisco Giants zagged the other way and infamously turned their backs on gay and trans fans during the team’s Pride Night and throughout this summer.
The Bay Area has a very rich LGBTQ history, and Williams’ words of love and support align with the city’s views.
Williams has been an advocate for LGBTQ people going back to her beginnings in the league.
She and Stephanie Dolson, a current player for the Seattle Storm, both wore “Black Trans Lives Matter” shirts before a game in 2020 while they were both on the Chicago Sky.
She also proudly shows her own gayness to the public, celebrating with her girlfriend, New York Liberty player Marine Johannès, after winning the title on Saturday.
Williams is a perfect fit for not just the Valkyries team, but for the City of San Francisco.
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