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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Out of the Closet, Into the Spotlight

Darren Young
Photo courtesy: WWE
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

By now, you've likely read that WWE Superstar Darren Young has told TMZ that he is gay.  The website sent out an email overnight spelling out the details and linking to a video of a conversation Young had with a photographer at the airport.  You can click here to see the interview.

In the hours that have followed Young's coming out, his peers and superiors, as well as fans have praised the superstar's bravery. I too will echo those sentiments.  I have several openly gay friends, who kept their sexuality a secret for years though, because they were afraid of how friends and family would react.  Young being in the public light has even more people judging him.

Courtesy: WWE
Some may ask the question why does it matter, or why should we care?  My response: I have no doubt that Young's decision to go public has impacted someone who is struggling with their own sexuality.  I believe when celebrities come out publicly it helps chip away at the stereotypes and negativity associated with homosexuality.  When teenagers and young adults stop killing themselves because they're being tormented by bullies just because of their sexual orientation, or gay men and women stop hiding their true selves because of the backlash at home or work, then these public outings will stop being a big deal.  I know it wasn't easy for him to do this, but I think there are millions of people who appreciate what Darren Young has done.

The WWE has issued a statement to, supporting Young.  You can read it here.  I applaud their support too.  I won't get into the politics of the situation, but I think most of you will know where I'm coming from.

I do wonder though why the TMZ reporter/photographer approached Young in the first place.  The cynic in me (and lots of others, I assume) suspects this was something that was in the works.  I have no doubt that Young really is gay, but the timing of the reveal is a little suspect.  None the less, the real story here is that Darren Young has made a courageous move by coming out.  I will be curious to see how this will develop and if the WWE turns it into some sort of storyline.

Last year I did a YouTube video on gay wrestling gimmicks.  Check it out.  As always, thanks for reading and watching!




1 comment:

  1. Thanks! You are correct, he may have saved a young person's life.

    ReplyDelete