Is Pro Wrestling Homophobic?

Delving into the realm of professional wrestling, Shannon Vanderstreaten explores the complex portrayal of queerness within the sport. Throughout the history of professional wrestling, queer people have often been subjected to harmful portrayals and villainization within the industry. Their presence has frequently been exploited for the purpose of creating antagonistic characters and perpetuating negative stereotypes. Wrestling, a sport with a rich but also dark history, unveils the complexities of a physical arena dominated by cishet straight men. With a keen eye on the present landscape, Shannon delves into the inclusivity, or lack thereof, within professional wrestling, shedding light on the experiences and aspirations of female wrestlers, queer wrestlers, and people of color. Through her poignant analysis, Shannon sparks an important conversation about the future of wrestling and advocates for a more inclusive and diverse representation within the sport.