WWE Superstar Darren Young Reveals He’s Gay

Earlier today, TMZ released a video of WWE Superstar Darren Young (real name Fred Rosser) at an airport being asked if he felt an openly gay person could find success in a field like professional wrestling.  With a slight smirk, Young replied,

"Absolutely, look at me. I'm a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I'll tell you right now, I'm gay. And I'm happy, very happy. To be honest, I don't think it matters. Does it matter? Does it matter to you? Does it change what you think about me? I guess if you want to call it coming out; I really don't know what to say it is but I'm just letting you know. I'm happy with who I am, I'm comfortable with myself, and I'm happy to be living the dream. I'm in L.A. for 'SummerSlam' with WWE. You know, to be honest with you, I'm happy with myself. Some people might not like it, some people will like it but I'm here to please myself. I'm here to be happy and it's very important that I'm happy with myself. I'm hoping to be able to make a difference, you know? It's very important to me that people understand that someone's sexual preference shouldn't really matter. It should be about the person."

While Young isn't the first openly gay professional wrestler, he is the first to come out while being an active member of the WWE roster.  Given the nature of the backstage workings in the WWE, its likely that several people were well aware of Young's sexuality, so its not surprising that many WWE superstars have Tweeted their support of Young,

@TitusONeilWWE - I'm VERY PROUD of @DarrenYoungWWE He's been like Family 2Me&My Kids And that won't Change!

@TripleH - Congratulations, @DarrenYoungWWE for living YOUR life, YOUR way.  #proud

@StephMcMahon - Congratulations to @DarrenYoungWWE for being the first openly gay WWE Superstar!

@DavidOtunga - I'm proud of @DarrenYoungWWE for his courageous decision. He's a genuinely good dude and one of the most talented performers in @WWE

In response to Young's announcement, the WWE issued a statement,

"We will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar.  Today, in fact,  Darren will be participating in one of our Be A Star anti-bullying rallies in  Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone  regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation."

via WWE