Pro-wrestler Joe Fitzpatrick, whose wrestling stage name is "Dirty Bulk" Bronson, was moved by an outpouring of love and support after he came out as bisexual in a series of powerful coming out posts on X (formerly Twitter).
The 28-year-old fighter, who fights on the All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor Wrestling promotions, responded to a post his fiancée wrestler Gabby Forzao wrote encouraging members of the LGBTQ+ to post photos of themselves with a flag that represents their sexual orientation.
“Happy pride month I’m Bi/Pansexual & queer [heart emojis]," wrote Forzao on the occasion of Pride month, which the LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrate to promote visibility and awareness.
In response, Bronson shared a photo of himself alongside a screenshot of the bisexual pride flag, which is pink and royal blue with an overlapping purple stripe at its center.
After the loving reception from fans, Bronson shared his coming out story the following day in a series of poignant posts.
“The last 24 hours have just been so overwhelming ever since openly admitting that I am bisexual,” he wrote.
Bronson continued:
“I’ve been left speechless by the endless phone calls, texts, [direct messages], replies from faithful fans, my close friends, our scumbag, and so many others I’ve had new interactions with."
"Between the social media response—and just now getting off a 55-minute phone call with my parents that was overflowing with so much love & uplifting support—I could run through a brick wall right now from how grateful I feel.”
He also shared that Forzao has been proud of him since he admitted his bisexuality to her when they began dating.
She encouraged him to be open about his sexual identity on his terms.
"[She] always instilled in me that if I spoke out about it openly, I'd have to do it for ME and nobody else, it has to be when IM comfortable," he wrote, adding:
"With her never-ending love & acceptance, I honestly didn't care enough to share with the world."
"She IS my world, so that's all that matters, right?"
@bearbronson/X
He said he's been feeling different after being "heavily inspired by Gabby and how proud she is to be bi/pansexual & queer."
"I've been inspired by so many others as well," said Bronson.
"Many of my friends & coworkers that are out and proud, and even some that are still in the closet waiting to one day feel ready."
“I was completely unsure of what the response would be and honestly didn’t really care."
“If nobody cared or noticed like I expected, that would be TOTALLY fine."
"If other wrestlers thought I had ulterior motives or thought of me coming out as a strategic move for my career, then this is for them too, and I hope it pisses you off."
"All I knew at the moment was that I just felt like doing something for me. So it finally felt right.”
@bearbronson/X
Bronson shared examples of the heartwarming interactions he had, including "those who have welcomed with open arms," "My parents who wouldn't stop crying and kept calling me back to tell me how much they love me," and "My brother who immediately cracked jokes before telling me how proud he is and how much he loves me."
@bearbronson/X
His heart was full from seeing the positive responses welcoming him to the community and allies expressing support.
“But man, the response I got has been indescribable," he said.
"It’s all taken me a bit to fully process. All I can think to say right now is, from the bottom of my heart—THANK YOU [heart emoji].”
“While these past 24 hours flew by so fast, I feel like I learned so much."
"All this time, I thought, ‘Why even say anything, who cares?’ But I learned just how important representation is."
Bronson concluded with:
"If me coming out and living my truth helps at least one other person feel more comfortable in their own skin, it makes it all worth it for me.”
@bearbronson/X
The posts preceded him saying that he feltlike the "luckiest guy in the world" and that he loves "every single one of you for making me feel this way."
"Thank you. Happy Pride."
@bearbronson/X
Social media users were genuinely happy for Bronson and his words inspired others to share their stories.
We see you, Bulk Bronson, and we're beaming with Pride to know you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community.