Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar who was once known as Tyler Reks shocked the sports world when she revealed that she is a transgender woman.
Named in real life as Gabbi AlonTuft, she revealed her truth via a lengthy Instagram post on February 5. “This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me,” she wrote. “This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do.”
Prior to the reveal, Tuft had been posting cryptic countdown messages. On January 27, she “will close my book of life, and begin a brand new one.” She then posted inspirational messages on a daily basis, highlighting the importance of family, true friends, and no longer being afraid.
In case you’re wondering, Tuft’s wife, Priscilla, has been supportive of her transition and coming out. The couple has been married since 2002, and share a 9-year old daughter named Mia. In the same aforementioned post, she explained, “My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am. To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know.”
According to CNN, the former wrestler was active in the WWE from 2009 to 2012. She then retired from her professional wrestling career to spend more time with her wife and daughter.
So what happens to her now? In a news release, Tuft said that she and Priscilla also want to help others in the LGBTQ community struggling with their transgender identities. In a world full of bigots and people scared to be their true selves, isn’t it wonderful when people embrace who they really are?
