Emerging from a renowned wrestling lineage, Cody Rhodes, a prominent figure in WWE, advocates for inclusivity in wrestling. During a recent WWE event in Fresno, California, Rhodes received a transgender flag from a fan. Rhodes, a four-time tag team champion, proudly held up the flag for a photo, reflecting his commitment to fostering a welcoming environment in wrestling. The fan who gifted the flag expressed admiration for Rhodes' gesture of goodwill. Rhodes' photo with the Progress Flag in Fresno holds significance on multiple levels. As a prominent figure in wrestling, his endorsement of the LGBTQ+ community reflects the evolving culture within the sport. In the past, wrestling often relied on discriminatory gimmicks, but attitudes are shifting. Last June, CM Punk, now with All Elite Wrestling, showed support for LGBTQ+ youth by holding a sign “Support LGBTQ+ youth." A supporter of same-sex marriage, Punk displayed the sign in reaction to criticism he faced for endorsing Pretty Cool Ice Cream, a brand that stands up for transgender youth. In AEW, Anthony Bowens is the first openly gay champion. He once shared a photo kissing his partner, YouTuber Michael Pavano, despite anti-gay protestors at a Pride match. During an AWE show last Pride season, fans cheered for Bowens with a supportive chant: "He's gay!" Another reason why Rohodes’ public allyship matters is that the recent WWE show took place in the San Joaquin Valley, which is known for being conservative. #Queer Up Sports