This profile is part of Queerty’s Out For Good series, recognizing those who came out to make a difference. The series will run throughout October in honor of National Coming Out Day on October 11.
Name: Jake Atlas, 23
Bio: Mexican-American wrestler Atlas grew up watching pro wrestling with his folks. He spent his childhood in Mexico before coming to Los Angeles as a teen. Both his mom and his dad loved Lucha Libre wrestling–yes, the style of Mexican wrestling that involves wearing the drag of flamboyant masks and uniforms–and took Jake to see numerous matches as a kid.
As he got older, Atlas found himself drawn to cheerleading and gymnastics, though wrestling remained his first love. When he turned 18, he decided to go pro. He trained a full two years before entering his first match.
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Coming Out: In high school, Atlas came out to his family, and it did not go well. Today, his mother and brother still have trouble accepting his sexuality despite his success. Nevertheless, Atlas began to understand the power of living his truth right after high school, even snagged a few dates while training. In 2017, he nabbed the prestigious Southern California Rookie of the Year Award. With his star on the rise, Atlas felt he needed to take a stand.
In February 2018, he came out publicly on Twitter.
Related: WATCH: Pro wrestling match takes a turn when Jake Atlas kisses opponent
Making a Difference: Atlas’ coming out surprised the sports world. To date, he remains one of the few pro wrestlers to ever do so. In a subsequent interview, he also spoke of his battle with clinical depression. Atlas revealed that he’d attempted suicide in 2015 during a particularly down period, struggling with his mother rejection and that he’s fought a life-long battle with anxiety as well.
He opened up about his depression for the same reason he opened up about his sexuality: to make a difference. “I am proud to fulfill my promise of coming out publicly,” he said in a statement, “about my sexuality to be a voice for those that struggle with this issue like I have for many, many years; to be a voice that reminds everyone in the same shoes that there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
I’m proud to be the first openly gay Southern California Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/1kLBhFbRjq
— Jake Atlas (@iamjakeatlas) January 25, 2018
Words of Wisdom, as told to Queerty:
Coming out is a force for positive change because of the influence it leaves on the LGBTQ community that experiences hardship, confusion, and backlash for expressing their identity. My reasoning in doing so was to leave a lasting impact on young LGBTQ athletes who may still believe they cannot experience happiness not success in industries that don’t showcase diversity and inclusion. I hope to bring change and awareness that individuality and authenticity are crucial to personal and societal development.
Kangol
Another pioneer. Congrats to and best wishes for him!
Billysees
” Another pioneer ”
How true. More will be added to that list of pioneers everyday, like all of the ones we’ll never learn about because they’re just ordinary folks and not famous.
Robothedestroyer
@billysees Queerty is a tabloid, dude. They are calling out celebrities and sportsmen because that is literally their genre. I was following a couple of guys on teh twitterz who where bloggers who made it a point to call out “street level” folks who do things for our community I think you might enjoy them. Meanwhile, showing somone who has a spotlight and calling attention to them really, REALLY benefits young lgbt men and women who need that role model. So yes, he is another pioneer.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
I hope he realizes how many young boys who are wrestling fans but confused, scared, and potentially suicidal over their sexuality he has helped by proving they are not freaks and it is possible to have a great life…