A reader writes:
I wanted to forward you this link to a collection of the overwhelmingly positive response to Darren Young coming out from wrestlers both in and outside the WWE. As a fan of wrestling for over 20 years, I am thrilled to see how positive everyone in the industry is being about this, as well as how relaxed Young was about telling the truth about who he is. There have been other wrestlers who have been out to the locker room (Pat Patterson being the most prominent, having been one of the most important members of WWE’s creative team since the ’80s and a star wrestler before then) and this is a great next step.
Another reader:
The interesting thing about this story is how much of a big deal it seems to be to the non-wrestling world but how minor a story it is to the wrestling world. The basic crux as to why:
1) The #2 guy in the WWE/F for years has been Pat Patterson, who has been known to be openly gay by everyone in the industry and amongst most hardcore fans.
2) Other wrestlers and promoters have been known to be gay for years and no one cares.
3) Young isn’t exactly a top guy in the WWE.
I think the bigger deal is that Linda McMahon – a two-time former GOP Senate candidate, her family and company – are so openly embracing Young. That party affiliation, not wrestling, is the harder nut to crack for gay rights.
Another sends the above recording:
Wrestling has come a long way. Here’s a video for fans of the Attitude Era of WWE: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin both supporting gay marriage and laying into churches who oppose it.
Money quote:
Which one of these motherfuckers talked to God and God said same-sex marriage was a no-no?
The Dish 