Wrestlers gay
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 block it from causing him any professional turmoil.
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26 Wrestlers Who Are Queer
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 embrace that talent comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and sexualities. Wrestling fans have become much more accepting of the LGBTQ collective. This has, in turn, resulted in more LGBTQ voice in wrestling today than ever before. Here are 13 WWE wrestlers, past or present, who identify as LGBTQ.
UPDATE: 2025/05/01 20:00 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA
The Gay community has reach 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. However, in 2025, things have thankfully changed for the better. Many wre
Pride Of The Ring: Notable Homosexual Professional Wrestlers Throughout Mostly Recent History
It was a good hour to take a look at the Pride of the ring-notable LGBTQ+ professional wrestlers throughout (mostly) recent history.
Also Read: WWE Considering Old Name For Hell In A Cell Anniversary
Before we dive into my own list of notable LGBTQ performers, I desire to put out this caveat. The names on this list are by no means every lesbian, gay, transgender or homosexual performer ever. Some will not be on it. Actually, probably a lot won’t be on it, as I’d bet that some lived their entire careers in the closet, sadly. What this list will present is LGBTQ wrestlers who stood out to me. These individuals did something that impacted me, and that is why they are on this list. With that said, let’s talk about notable LGBTQ+ wrestlers throughout history.
1. Pat Patterson
Pat Patterson is here because he blazed a trail that many didn’t even know he was blazing. From all accounts I have read or heard, a lot kind of guessed at Patterson’s personal life decisions. Yet, given the way the world was when he was younger, it was his private. Patterson had a
WWE has officially signed its first out LGBTQ wrestler under the newly launched WWE ID recruitment initiative. Independent wrestler Aaron Rourke, acknowledged by his bell name Evil Male lover, was announced as the latest signee during a exceptional edition of Wrestling Open on IWTV, the independent pro wrestling streaming service. The signing marks a historic moment not only for Rourke but for WWE's commitment to diversity and inclusion in professional wrestling.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid, and I have to appreciate everyone who has gotten me here. To my doubters and the people who said this couldn’t be feasible, thank you because your criticisms and your judgments made me the workhorse I am today. For anyone who has been told that their dreams are too vast, let me be the example that you absolutely can," Rourke said in an emotional utterance after receiving the contract.
A Rising Star in LGBTQ Wrestling
Aaron Rourke’s journey to WWE has been anything but easy, but his success in the independent wrestling circuit proves his dedication and resilience. The New England-based wrestler has become a familiar name in multiple promotions
By Dylan Watson
When people believe of a wrestler, words such as “masculinity,” “strength,” and “willpower” come 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 strife with ever coming out.
I remember the first day I stepped into the wrestling room at Frank W. Cox Tall School as an elementary school student. Having no clue what I was doing, I felt vulnerable and confused, feelings I would come to perceive very well later on in my life. However, within a few 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 42-inch mat is all up to you. Over the next scant years, my love for wrestling grew exponentially, and eventually, before my freshman year of high academy, I chose to quit every other sport to focus solely on it.
Dylan in action
During high academy, I had some achievement on the mat, but truly struggled with a fight that none of my teammates could aid me with: my sexuality. I was afraid