Wrestler Darren Young Comes Out As Gay

I really did not care much about this story. Firstly I have no interest in Wrestling and secondly I had no idea who this guy is. It was until this morning when my blog reader Manaka asked for my opinion on the matter that I realized that these stories have an impact of people's lives. In an impromptu interview with TMZ at the Los Angeles International Airport, WWE Superstar Darren Young unexpectedly revealed that he is gay.

The TMZ reporter asked Young about whether or not there is a place for gay wrestlers in the WWE, with which Mr No Days Off responded:

“Absolutely. Look at me. I’m a WWE Superstar and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay. And I’m happy. I’m very happy.”

“I’m hoping to be able to make a difference”, Young tells TMZ. 

“It’s very important to me that people understand that somebody’s sexual preference shouldn’t really matter. It should be about the person.”

The WWE released a statement, which reads in full: 

"On TMZ this morning, WWE Superstar Darren Young revealed to the WWE Universe that he is gay. WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar. Today, in fact, Darren will be participating in one of our Be A STAR anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation."

Upon being told of the news wrestling's biggest star John Cena had praise for Young's decision. 

"Oh, wonderful," he said when told of the news. "Good for him. That's fantastic ... I know Darren personally. Darren's a great guy. That's a very bold move for him. And congratulations for him for actually finally doing it." 

Cena, whose older brother is gay, added that he expected this wouldn't have any effect on his work.

"It's all about being professional, and Darren Young is a consummate professional," 

"For us, it's entertainment, and if you're entertaining you shouldn't be judged by race, creed, color or sexuality ... as long as you're entertaining."

Why should you or I care about some random wrestler in the US revealing that he is gay?

Well, wrestling is huge in South Africa. WWE broadcast are a huge ratings puller for Etv even SABC tried to leverage that success by creating their ill-fated wrestling show.

It is not about the individual sharing their personal information but about the millions of bigots who watch the sport and did not think it was a place for diversity. 

It is about the young kid who watches this shows and feels like he is not normal because he does not fit the conventional mold of what a man should feel or behave like. 

It about eradicating the stereotype and making people aware that there are different shades of gay, if you must. 

What these athletes, actors and musicians are doing goes beyond just their own acceptance of their sexuality or overcoming the fear that if people knew that they are gay they would loose opportunities for their careers. 

I personally do not subscribe to the notion of tolerance. I don't think people should be tolerated like they rest of the human race is doing them a favour. I am all about; gay people exist, deal with it!

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