Openly gay wrestlers
Last week, Anthony Bowens — a queer Black wrestler with All Elite Wrestling and one of the first openly gay wrestlers to hold a major championship belt — stood in the center of the ring while thousands of fans chanted, &#;He&#;s gay.&#;
While that sounds prefer a traumatic experience, it was actually a heartwarming event that represents a sea change in how gay performers are treated in the traditionally homophobic sport of pro wrestling. AEW has championed the LGBTQ community from its inception and the segment, which aired on AEW Rampage, was part of a storyline between Bowens’ tag team, The Acclaimed, and QTV, a rival group. QTV member Harley Cameron, a woman, approached Bowens about creating a “power couple,” to which Bowens replied, “Lady, I’m gay.”
As soon as he said it, the crowd erupted in cheers. The “He’s gay” chant was celebratory and and Bowens’ tag team partner and manager jumped for joy. While he’d come out years ago, Bowens’ in-ring pronouncement during a scripted segment, as a natural part of a storyline —coupled with the crowd’s embrace — would have been un
13 WWE Wrestlers Who Identify As LGBTQ+
For decades, homosexuality was an uncomfortable subject in the WWE. For example, Dustin Rhodes' Goldust persona pretended to be gay, using homosexuality as a means to draw heat, while Chris Kanyon, who was legitimately gay, hid his sexuality to hinder it from causing him any professional turmoil.
26 Wrestlers Who Are LGBTQ+
More wrestlers than ever before are coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with these major names being great examples in and out of the ring.
Today, most fans accept that talent comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and sexualities. Wrestling fans hold become much more accepting of the LGBTQ community. This has, in turn, resulted in more LGBTQ representation in wrestling today than ever before. Here are 13 WWE wrestlers, past or present, who identify as LGBTQ.
UPDATE: /05/01 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA
The LGBTQ+ community has come a long way in professional wrestling. In the past, the community was not given much respect when it came to the storylines that they were represented in. How
Professional wrestling has always been a roller coaster ride filled with captivating personalities. Among these larger-than-life characters, there are trailblazers who have pushed the envelope even further by being some of the first openly lesbian and gay wrestlers. As we seize a walk down the memory lane of wrestling history, let's give a standing ovation to those gay wrestlers who defied stereotypes while inspiring countless individuals with their courage and determination.
In this ever-evolving realm of sports entertainment, there have been breathtaking moments, unforgettable events, and milestones that created ripples across the business. The rise of LGBTQ+ wrestlers is one such aspect that demands attention; these individuals displayed skill, passion, and flair within the squared circle. Indeed, they represent an essential piece of wrestling history.
Sonya Deville takes center stage among these celebrated gay wrestlers - she owned her identity while demonstrating exceptional prowess both inside the call and as an advocate for inclusivity. Piper Niven stormed onto the scene l
By Dylan Watson
When people think of a wrestler, words such as “masculinity,” “strength,” and “willpower” enter to mind. One word that typically doesn’t is “homosexuality.” Fearful of what their families, friends, and teammates will think of them, many gay athletes fight with ever coming out.
I remember the first day I stepped into the wrestling room at Frank W. Cox Upper School as an elementary college student. Having no clue what I was doing, I felt vulnerable and confused, feelings I would come to know very well later on in my life. However, within a limited practices I realized I loved the challenges that came with wrestling.
There is no other school sport in which it’s truly you versus one other person. Your teammates can cheer you on from the seats, but everything that goes on within the inch mat is all up to you. Over the next few years, my love for wrestling grew exponentially, and eventually, before my freshman year of high school, I chose to quit every other sport to focus solely on it.
Dylan in action
During high educational facility, I had some success on the mat, but truly