Alanna Smith has no idea why people keep getting it wrong.
The Minnesota Lynx forward found herself in the middle of a lighthearted but recurring case of mistaken identity after an Instagram post sparked yet another round of confusion about her sexuality.
The post came from Fruitslice, a quarterly magazine that shows queer creatives. They ranked WNBA teams by LGBTQ+ representation and placed the Lynx at No. 2, citing players like Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Natisha Hiedeman, and Smith herself.
That last name raised some eyebrows, including Smith’s own.
“So sorry to disappoint but this is me coming out publicly as straight,” she commented under the post. “I am a strong ally tho.”
Her message was clear, honest, and delivered with a laugh. The 28-year-old from Australia doesn’t identify as gay and prefers dating men, though she supports her teammates and the wider LGBTQ+ community wholeheartedly.
When Being An Ally Leads To Assumptions
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Smith’s clarification wasn’t just a one-off.
She followed up on her Instagram Story, leaning into the humor of the situation with what seemed like a touch of exasperation, suggesting this isn’t the first time people have made that assumption.
Her teammate, Napheesa Collier, responded with a trio of laughing emojis, adding some friendly locker-room energy to the exchange.
The post from Fruitslice wasn’t malicious. It aimed to celebrate representation in the WNBA, a league known for its inclusivity and open support for LGBTQ+ players. Their praise for Minnesota’s “Queer leadership and legacy” also highlighted head coach Cheryl Reeve’s reputation as an advocate. But they simply got one detail wrong.
Smith responded with good humor, but she raised a familiar question: Why do people assume she’s gay? Society often places broad assumptions on female athletes, especially in leagues where many openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Still, Smith isn’t offended. She just wants to clear the air. “I just like men,” she confirmed with a shrug in tone more than words. No big announcement, no drama, just a quick correction from someone who’s comfortable with who she is and proud to stand beside those who live differently.
At the end of the day, she’s still one of the Lynx’s fiercest competitors and now, one of the WNBA’s most unexpected “straight icons.”
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