Idols: Effy

Coming to grips with who and what I am means I've had several people to whom I admire. I'll be talking about each of them individually but I'll start with Effy.

For those of you who don't know him, Effy is an independent pro wrestler, the current GCW World Heavyweight Champion, and is a proud, out gay man.

The pro wrestling world has always had an interesting relationship with the LGBTQ community. Many times, the roles of our community have been to be the comedy act, to be over sexualized to make the straight cisgender fans uncomfortable, and even to be a role as punishment for not getting over as one's true self.

In Mexico, exoticos (or trans wrestlers) have a long tradition in the culture. Once again, many have actually been straight in real life and used as comedic fodder but many have gone on to be legends in the wrestling world, such as Cassandro and Pimpinela Escarlota.

When I first saw Effy, he was in a similar situation: mid card and overly sexual for comedic effect. However, as the world changed, so did Effy.

A certain individual in the WWE likes to call himself "The Voice of the Voiceless." Well, Effy has truly earned that title in a time where many members of the LGBTQ community have been silenced by force and circumstances.

His nearly two year feud with former best friend Mance Warner led Effy to the top of GCW and moreso into the public eye. While he still dresses provocatively, his tone is more serious in nature. He's excellent on the microphone in speaking for what we're all been thinking from the prejudice in this world.

Needless to say, as I became more aware and comfortable with who I am, I was drawn to Effy as a hero and idol for our community. So, last Thursday during my bout of gender dysphoria, I requested a Cameo from Effy. Just a pep talk to get me through the day.

I selected the seven day option instead of the 24 hour rush option, as I figured he might be busy and didn't want to rush or bother him. Instead, from the time I sent to the request until I received his video, it only took eight minutes. This man truly embodies what it is to be a hero.

His video was candid but sweet and just what I needed to hear. He mentioned how I need to celebrate knowing who I am and while there are lots of negative influences out there, the only person I need to fully come out to is me.

Even listening to it nearly a week later makes me smile. I truly appreciate him taking the time to send me a wonderful video and I think everyone should follow him and his career.





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