Our top 8 queer wrestlers

From the signed to the independent circuit

A physically demanding labour of love, wrestling is enjoyed and observed by millions worldwide. This Including those from all kinds of diverse groups - and predominantly within the LGBTQ+ community. The wrestling world is also home to some of the greatest queer wrestlers providing representation for those who seek it the most and creating a safe space for those who wish to enjoy the sport and feel as if they have a place within the wrestling fellowship.

Here are our top 8 greatest queer wrestlers:

Nyla Rose

Not only kicking ass but making history, Nyla Rose is the first Transgender woman signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) - one of the first within a significant U.S. wrestling promotion. Obviously met with trepidation, Rose feared coming out, worried that she wouldn't find her "place" within the community, but it wasn't until she came out did she realize how her being true to herself made her fans feel - and how needed the representation was. She even said she hopes not only to inspire those within the trans community but to be something to help fuel the next generation. By creating a sense of community now, Rose hopes others won't be met with such struggles that she may have encountered along her journey.

Sonny Kiss

Another wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling, Sonny Kiss, is the embodiment of letting your inner self shine through, in and out of the ring. Captivating stage presence isn't all Kiss is known for, but they're currently one of the most notable genderfluid professional wrestlers in the game. First appearing to the wrestling scene in 2013 (not yet signed with AEW), they made an effort to be that representation and present an open dialogue to an audience about why inclusion is necessary, as there wasn't much of an LGBTQ+ stage presence 8 years ago (this is still very much a work in progress, but it's getting much better). Using both He/Her pronouns, Kiss likes to be referred to by either if they are used respectfully.

Sonya Deville

Lesbian wrestler and mixed martial artist Sonya Deville is not only a force to be reckoned with but is one of the driving forces for more prominent inclusion within the professional wrestling circuits. Signed to WWE, Deville has said she has only ever pushed for more authentic LGBTQ+ storylines within their program. She often argues that although inclusion is a big deal, it shouldn't be made one - as there should already be representation everywhere, as this is a normal part of everyday life, not a gimmick. Deville celebrates her identity within herself every day and encourages those who identify as queer to do the same.

Effy

The absolutely enticing wrestler Effy is one of the more notable known names within the LGBTQ+ wrestling community, especially considering he runs within the independent wrestling circuit. With a large social following as well, Effy's comedic demeanour, unapologetic attitude and undeniable charisma, there is no wonder why he is so prevalent within his community. Initially starting his wrestling journey back in 2013 after a slight bender, he made it a mission to jump-start his career in wrestling, knowing he wanted to be in front of an audience - one of his larger motivations being to come out and celebrate who he was in front of others. He has yet to look back since.

Charlie Morgan

Although not as widely known within the mainstream wrestling community, Charlie Morgan is no newbie when it comes to the ring. Making appearances for NXT UK (which is under the WWE umbrella), although she is more widely known for working with PROGRESS. What makes Morgan so absolutely iconic is her coming out, as she publicly did at an event where she was set to appear. She has since been engaged to retired pro wrestler Jetta (who primarily wrestled for SHIMMER in the early 2000s), and they are living their best life.

Gabbi Tuft

Former WWE icon Gabbi Tuft came out as transgender last year, surprising many through a touching Instagram post saying that part of her always felt hidden beneath the shadows, but she now feels no longer afraid to show her true self, ending the caption with "this is me." Before her 2014 retirement, Tuft had a prolific career in the ring, even coining her signature move, The Burning Hammer - so with such a large following, there was fear of losing her large fan base, although quite the opposite happened. Instead, Tuft was met with love and support from fans from their former wrestling years and has not felt such love since being in the ring.

Darren young

Former Nexus and Prime Time player Darren Young was actually the first to come out while already signed to WWE. Young came out during an impromptu 2012 interview making strides for the queer wrestling community. "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," he told an interviewer. His coming out was monumental for the wrestling community, as stated so nonchalantly, but created a giant wave. Young went on to say that he hopes his coming out sparks changes and makes a difference for those in his situation who may not be comfortable coming out yet - and reminds others they should not be judged by sexual identity as this does not make up the entirety of a person.

Mack Beggs

Although not part of the professional circuit Mack Beggs was all anyone in the wrestling community (in any community, honestly) could talk about after winning his school's wrestling championships two years running - as he was the first openly trans man competing within the woman's division. At the time, Beggs was at the beginning of the gender confirmation process taking small doses of testosterone at the time. The controversy was the 'upper hand' parents, and peers thought he had on his opponents, although this isn't what Beggs wanted. He asked to compete within the male division but was not allowed based on the birth certificate rule, stating you were required to compete in the division's gender category matching the gender assigned at birth. Even after pulling his 32nd win from the year, the crowd booed as his victory was announced. Met with lawsuits, haters, and constant social media torment, this has only inspired Beggs to proceed with his wrestling career. Admit top surgery back in 2020; this has only made him want to return to the mat more.

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