“I think you can see the shift in the W [WNBA] space because [of] the way the W has been so supportive…to really see how the League has shifted and leaned into more of their masculine players, we’re happy to be here, twin.” -Courtney Williams, interview with Slam Magazine
Sport is a powerful institution with established norms surrounding race, gender, and sexuality. While many people like to think that sports are apolitical and merit-based, scholars have shown that the institution of sport historically prioritizes heteronormativity, masculinity, and whiteness while marginalizing queerness, women, and athletes of color in opportunity, salary, sponsorship, and media coverage. Social media, however, has become a venue for disrupting these traditional power dynamics. With social media, athletes can self-represent in new ways and cultivate a community outside of mainstream sports media. Two WNBA players, in particular, who have made the most of social media by using an authentic player-driven approach are Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the “StudBudz.” As a duo, the StudBudz have used this digital transformation to become culturally significant in relation to their WNBA status and their queer, Black, masculine-presenting identities. Through social media, they have challenged dominant narratives around gender expression, sexuality, and race by using their sense of humor, community, and a strong online presence. The StudBudz have reshaped contemporary athletic culture by showing their authentic selves to a broader audience.
