Toni Storm, Effy, Anthony Bowens & More Are Taking Pride in Their Work

It’s June, and for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community, that means Pride month. And while communities across the US are holding events, parades, and festivals. I want to take some time to celebrate the current crop of LGBTQIA+ wrestlers. The ones who are finally breaking through the stereotypes and tropes of the past.

The history of pro wrestling has a horrible track record when it comes to portraying the Queer community in a positive light. Goldust, Rico, Billy & Chuck, and the West Hollywood Blondes. All examples of stereotypes and tropes of gay people were used to get cheap heat. Wrestling companies have long played on the fears and hate of anything that even appears Queer in some way, to generate heat or make a comedy face.

It’s only been in the past few years that gay wrestlers have been shown as just normal people who happen to be gay. Wrestlers are slowly finding ways to be themselves and also support their community. And in the face of the current political climate in relation to those of us in those communities? It’s about damn time.

AEW Providing a Platform

Toni Storm first came out as bisexual during her time in NXT. And while it would take a few years and a change of companies for her to become a huge name. She has kept true to her authentic self. Including dropping a “I’m here, and I’m Queer!” on an episode of Collision. Storm is probably the most high-profile wrestler who is carrying the Queer flag. But she is far from alone. Wrestlers like Mike Bailey and Anthony Bowens have both been positioned well within AEW. While they aren’t at Storm’s level, they are still solid midcard wrestlers who are being their authentic selves.

The company has long been a place for LGBTQIA+ wrestlers to get national exposure. Nyla Rose, Leyla Hirsch, Trish Adora, Abadon, Sonny Kiss, and Kiera Hogan have all been showcased by AEW at different times.

Even though most of those names are no longer a part of AEW, they were able to use their exposure there to further their careers and communities. Anytime a member of a marginalized community can see a positive representation of themselves, it’s a good thing. It gives us hope for a better future, a feeling of not being so alone. And AEW has done a good job of allowing that to happen.

WWE

I already listed examples of how the WWE has a long history of using the LGBTQIA+ community for comedy or cheap heat. But they seem to be moving away from that. Going back to Darren Young casually dropping that he was gay and not having it turned into a gimmick. The WWE has seemingly matured a bit. (I say a bit, because Kit Wilson is a thing.)

The seeds of change started with allies like Finn Balor and CM Punk. Remember, the Balor Club is for everyone.

The WWE has had several Queer talents over the last decade, who didn’t have to make it their gimmick. They were allowed to be a good wrestler who happened to be Queer. Many of those wrestlers are no longer in the company. But while women like Tegan Nox, Shayna Baszler, and Indi Hartwell didn’t have to find themselves subjected to being involved in HLA. This is a huge improvement from the WWE of the past.

Speaking of change in the WWE. Aaron Rourke is currently in the WWE ID program and is the current Evolve Men’s Champion. He is also the only openly gay man in the company.

The Independent World

Outside of the big two, the LGBTQIA+ community has seen huge growth on the independent scene. Effy has been hosting his Big Gay Brunch for over a decade now. Providing a platform for the best of the best Queer wrestlers.

Wrestlers like Allie Katch, Steph De Lander, Anton Voorhees, Jai Vidal, Mercedes Martinez, and Zack Sabre are given a platform for pride. Not just pride in themselves and their identity, but pride in their craft as well.

Billy Corgan’s NWA has showcased Max the Impaler for the past four years. Max has been both the Men’s and Women’s NWA Television Champion during their time with the company.

Outside of Effy’s annual show, we are now getting promotions like Kidd Bandit’s T4T Wrestling. A promotion built around using the classic Face vs Heel formula to talk about trans rights.

And while TNA identity is not quite an indie promotion, but also kind of. I will put them here. TNA has long outgrown its early days. It has long been another place for Queer talent to get a showcase. Gisele Shaw, the previously mentioned Indi Hartwell, Bear Bronson, Daria Rae, Harley Hudson, and more have all found themselves in TNA at one time or another.

The Future is a Bright Rainbow

The talent mentioned here is just the tip of the iceberg. There are more LGBTQIA+ talent currently working their way up from their local independents. They are being given a chance to be themselves, to show pride in who they are and what they do. No longer have to worry about being a stereotype. They can be great wrestlers who also happen to be gay or trans.

But as we look forward, let’s not forget the past. Pride month isn’t just about celebrating who we are. It’s about remembering those who came before us. The ones who sacrificed so we could have the platforms we have today. Their stories push us to force open more doors for those coming up behind us. And unfortunately, there are still many LGBTQIA+ people who live in fear of being their true selves.

Chris Kanyon was one of those people. Kanyon lived in fear of being discovered, the fear that being gay would end his lifelong dream. He was a wrestler ahead of his time, and if he had debuted a decade later, he might still be with us today. His story is, sadly, still relatable to so many of us. The fear of rejection by friends and family, the fear of having to stop doing what you love, the fear of violence. All are still very real and present fears and dangers. So, while this article is about celebrating how far we’ve come as a society. Please do not forget how far we still have to go. And for anyone reading this who is struggling with embracing who they are. You aren’t alone; there’s a huge community out there waiting for you.

And if you, or anyone you know, are struggling with these fears, there are resources to help.

The Trevor Project (for LGBTQIA+ people between 13 and 24): 866-488-7386

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Crises Text Line: Text START to 741-741

The LGBT National Hotline: [phone]

The LGBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): 800-246-7743

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

For more resources, please visit https://pflag.org/resource/support-hotlines/