WWE Stars Release Anti-Bullying PSA

WWE stars working with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) have released an “Amplify Your Voice” PSA designed to encourage young people to take a stand against all forms of bullying, and in particular anti-LGBT bullying.

The PSA, which was produced with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), features WWE Superstars and Divas Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Alicia Fox, Sheamus and Kofi Kingston.

“Tides continue to shift as more and more athletes, celebrities and sports leagues speak out in support of equality for everyone,” said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD, in a statement. “By taking a stand against anti-LGBT bullying, WWE is sending a clear message that homophobia is unacceptable both in and outside of the ring.”

GLAAD began working with WWE earlier this year after the group raised concerns on behalf of the LGBT community regarding wrestler John Cena’s (always in-character) homophobic taunts. These taunts included references to the film Brokeback Mountain, to insinuating an opponent was a “fairy,” and that an opponent needed to be taught how to be a man.

Given that WWE had, at the time, recently started promoting itself as PG-rated entertainment, and that a large part of its fan-base is adolescent males, the concern was this kind of example could lead impressionable viewers to think it is acceptable to bully others on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation.

GLAAD has since met with talent and editorial staff to discuss LGBT inclusion and the harms of anti-LGBT language.

Other celebrities to have participated include NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal, Russell Simmons, Vinny Guadagnino, Rev. Al Sharpton, Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Chaz Bono, Tori Spelling, Naya Rivera, Mario Lopez and Dustin Lance Black, among several others

source: care2.com