Followers and fans of wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista are loving a Pride month message he posted at the end of last week.
The actor, known for roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Army of the Dead, and Dune, among many others, posted a photo of himself wearing a T-shirt. It featured a rainbow and the words ‘Be You.’
Bautista is straight but his mom is a lesbian. In his accompanying caption, Bautista said, “I was always proud of who my mom was because she was always proud of who she was. In your face, fuck you if you don’t like it, unapologetically loud and proud. And her son payed [sic] attention. BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE YOU. ❤️🏳️🌈💪🏽 #ProudSonofaLesbian”
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Among those to welcome the posting was gay wrestler Fred Drosser, who said, “This is beautiful ditto Big Dave!” Another commentator summed up the views of many, simply saying, “Yes!!! Your mama raised you right!”
Bautista was born in 1969 in Washington DC to mom, Donna Raye (née Mullins), and hairdresser David Michael Bautista. He has said the family lived in poverty and he had a tough upbringing.
Discovering bodybuilding turned his life around and led to a career in WWE, before switching to acting.
In a Men’s Health last year, Bautista revealed he used some of the money he’s earned through wrestling and acting to buy his mom a house in her favorite part of San Francisco.
Back in 2014, he posed for the #NOH8 photo campaign, again in honor of his mom.
Related: Pro wrestler Darren Young reflects on being the first openly gay WWE performer
In 2019, Bautista clapped back at a Catholic Bishop who said Catholics should not celebrate Pride Month.
“My mom’s a lesbian. I think I turned out OK,” he said. “And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I’m not perfect but at least I was never a judgmental hypocrite! I’m sure you don’t speak for most Catholics. Have a nice day.”
My moms a lesbian. I think I turned out ok. And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I’m not perfect but atleast I was never a judgmental hypocrite! Im sure you dont speak for most Catholics.Have a nice day 🖕🏼 https://t.co/S5t47A170n
— Vaxxed AF! #TeamPfizer Poor Kid Chasing Dreams. (@DaveBautista) June 2, 2019
Manray
Dave Bautista is a national treasure. Saving dogs, loves his Mom, etc etc.
Nothing to dislike here.
Dan Renzi
And he is damned funny in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. So funny. My absolute favorite Marvel character. Not that his movies are more important than him just being an all-around awesome person, but it’s extra credit.
firebolt87
Short and to the point, just like Drax. ?
Kangol2
Thank you, Dave Bautista! Great person, great message!
Archbishop Thomas Tobin and his ilk can go sit on it. (BTW, there’s also the more progressive Cardinal Joseph Tobin, who leads the archdiocese of Newark.)
barryaksarben
Thank you so very mich Dave. We love you back.
Jaquelope
I’d like to ask that Archbishop if it’s more dangerous for kids than pedophile priests. Is he one? Has he ever been reported? How many victims has he had?
johncp56
I love my str8 strong bothers, makes us unite love is love