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WWE referee Shawn Bennett came out publicly as gay to his social media followers yesterday.
In a special National Coming Out Day post, Bennett, who currently refs matches on WWE’s flagship show “Raw”, shared his journey from being a closeted teenager to living his truth in pro wrestling.
“I started refereeing at age 14. I did my best to suppress any and all homosexual thoughts before and after that for a long time. I didn’t come to my own full realization about myself until early twenties. That’s when I knew it was the way of life that would make me happy. As cliche as it sounds, I feel I was born this way.”
He added that he’s been out to his family and friends since his 20s, but he kept his identity hidden at work, going so far as to pretend he was single even though he had a boyfriend.
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“I spent my first 10 years involved in pro wrestling terrified of my own sexuality. I was convinced that I would never be successful if people knew I was gay. Those were fears that I made up in my head.”
But not anymore.
Added Bennett, “I’m proud of who I am, what I’ve accomplished, where my life is headed, and my way of life. Like everyone else, at the end of the day I just want to be happy, to give and receive love, both to myself and others.”
Read the full post below.
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Now, scroll down for more pics from Bennett’s Instagram page…
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Chrisk
Cool. That must be an interesting job.
Smith David
@Chrisk…….To say the least.
gamagamagama
Nice. Good for him. Cute. He has a great smile.
Max
he had me when he posted pic w/cute dog on IG
SFMike
Another nice addition to our clan.
cuteguy
Welcome. What a great addition. Beautiful inside and out
chris_clb614
As someone who watches pro wrestling only long enough to pay attention to the guys wearing revealing (idk) costumes- or shirtless- I have to say I’m jealous of this guy who’s job it is to be in the ring with the wrestlers. And be professional.
Bo Hamrk
And he is someone who [maybe] in time, something that does not need to be clarified See Carl Nassib
Bo Hamrk
Being ‘different’ was different when I was growing up in the 70’s. We only had David Kopay and Bruce Jenner b4 she you know what. It is comforting to know high profile individuals are coming to terms with their existence being a HUMAN being. WE have been around for centuries and make no mistake, we are here so get on with it.