WWE superstar Darren Young Comes Out

The Christofascists and their political whores in the Republican Party like to depict gays as mincing, effeminate men or drag queens, so it is always delicious when a public figure comes out and blows this carefully crafted and inaccurate stereotype utterly to Hell.  We can now add the name Darren Young (pictured above) to the list of individuals who have revealed the bogus nature of the gay stereotype promulgated by our enemies.  As TMZ reports, Young, a superstar in the WWE world just came out as gay.  Here are story highlights:

WWE superstar Darren Young just dropped a bombshell, telling TMZ, he's gay ... and no, this isn't part of the act.

Darren was at LAX Wednesday when we asked whether a gay wrestler could succeed in WWE, and Darren laughed, saying, "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."

For the record, Darren is now the first openly gay wrestler ever at WWE ... and the first headlining wrestler ever to come out while still signed to a major promotion.

Other pro wrestlers have been rumored to be gay, but that's it ... just rumors.

Bottom line: this is big, big news. For all its chauvinism and testosterone-driven bravado, coming out in WWE is tantamount to coming out in the NFL.

Of course, wrestling is a little different, particularly because of how physical it is, and how little clothing is involved -- but Darren is completely unfazed.

Young is also receiving full support from the WWE ... which says it's "proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality."

A rep for the organization adds, "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."

Tony Perkins, Bryan Fischer and other anti-gay hate merchants must be beside themselves.   I love it!!

Oakland Raiders Sign Punter and LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe

As noted a week or so ago, the Minnesota Vikings dumped punter and gay marriage and gay equality advocate Chris Kluwe, some speculated because of his outspokenness on gay rights.  Kluwe took it with grace and class and felt his advocacy was more important than football.  Now, as Fox Sports is reporting, the Oakland raiders have signed Kluwe.   For his part, Kluwe says he will continue to be an outspoken LGBT ally.  Here are story highlights:

Throughout their history, the Oakland Raiders have seen their share of colorful personalities. And in 2013, they’re adding another, signing punter Chris Kluwe on Wednesday. The signing will be formally announced on Thursday.

Kluwe, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on May 6, will step in for Pro Bowler Shane Lechler, who left Oakland for the Houston Texans via free agency. Kluwe’s contract is for one year, and is for the league minimum.

“I’m excited to be an Oakland Raider and be playing in California,” Kluwe, who attended high school in Southern California before going to UCLA, told me on Wednesday. “Now, my family can actually come to games.”

The 31-year-old Kluwe averaged 45.0 yards on 72 punts last season as a Viking. Kluwe is the all-time Vikings leader in average yards per punt (44.4) and second all-time in total punt yards (27,683) and total punts (623). Kluwe is arguably the greatest punter in franchise history



Kluwe is known for his mind and mouth, as well as his leg. He is a vocal advocate of equality in sports (and life), and says he will continue to speak for what he believes.  “I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans,” Kluwe said.

For now, however, Kluwe is hoping for the best.  “Hopefully, I’ll be able to play for the next seven years and end my career in California,” the punter, who graduated from UCLA with a double major in political science and history, said.

 I wish Kluwe lots of luck.  Would that there were more pro athletes willing to really speak out against bigotry and religious based discrimination.