CM Punk, the renowned pro wrestler known for his straight-edge persona, delivered an important message during his return to the ring on Saturday night. Headlining All Elite Wrestling's "Collision" event at Chicago's United Center, Punk spotted a fan holding a sign with the message "Support LGBTQ+ youth.”
After the show, he approached the fan and brought the sign into the ring.
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He proceeded to address the backlash he’d received for promoting Pretty Cool Ice Cream, an ice cream bar that supports transgender youth.
“The reason I support trans kids trans, grownups, gay, straight, lesbian, whoever is because I know when I was growing up, I didn’t fit in anywhere,” he said.
Punk acknowledged that he was able to change his physical appearance to fit in, but LGBTQ+ kids don't have that option.
“It was because of the clothes I wore, what my hair looked like, the music I listened to, those are all things I could rectify,” he said. “I could cut my hair, I could listen to jazz. I don’t know what. But to be somebody who’s gay, lesbian, especially trans, I don’t know what it feels like to be trapped in a body that I don’t feel I belong.”
The impact of Punk's post-match message was immediate, quickly going viral. Punk has been an LGBTQ+ ally for many years, openly supporting same-sex marriage over a decade ago when it was still a contentious issue.
Pro wrestling, known for its historical atavism, is gradually evolving. The industry has seen an increase in openly LGBTQ+ wrestlers, such as Anthony Bowens, who became the first openly gay man to win an AEW championship, and Sonya Deville, a well-known LGBTQ+ wrestler working for WWE. These individuals understand the significance of their representation and take their roles seriously.
While the wrestling industry has made progress, it's moments like CM Punk's impassioned speech that truly resonate. His love and support for the LGBTQ+ community inside the ring are invaluable on our journey toward full inclusion.
