Out in the Ring

Out in the Ring looks at the history of queer identity in professional wrestling. Using a historical timeline starting from the 1940’s and 50’s to the current LGBTQIA+ wrestling explosion with LGBTQIA+ run promotions and talent focused shows globally, the film interviews the performers, fans, and writers, exploring aspects of masculinity/ femininity, cultural representation/appropriation, homophobia, and self representation and openness. The film features interviews with historians, wrestling legends, and contemporary performers discussing the various characterizations and performances of wrestlers both straight and gay. These brave and open performers talk about their start in the business and their struggles and triumphs in and out of the ring. Out in the Ring provides an entertaining and historical look at something taboo in the sport, and how these trailblazers have set about to survive, thrive, and change perceptions in and out of the business. (Cinequest Festival)