For those of you who might skip the front page occasionally, as I confess I do, go back and read John McClellan's column about the potrayal of gays in wrestling.

Very well written and informative. It also inspired me to think about the number of closeted gay men there are out there and my personal experiences with them.

I have a couple of friends who live on the "low down" whose straight 'personas' are relatively unquestioned, i.e. ex-wives, several kids, out-of-wed-lock children. The morality of these facts aside, they are likeable, personable and kind people.

Becoming 'totally out' would damage their careers for sure so they live in a sort of in-between status with which they are usually content and which people close to them at least tolerate.

One was cut from tryouts for a pro team and is still trying to 'find himself.' I think seeing the relationship between me and my boyfriend has influenced him dramatically.

Perhaps 'role modeling' is the most powerful message that gay outsportsguys can send.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin in high school. He was born on December 18, 1964.

http://www.lewzworld.com/wrestling/aust70.jpg

I appreciate the nice comments about my article.

Also, its a shame Steve Austin shaved his head a few yrs ago. He had such nice blond hair. He did happen to wear rainbow colored bike shorts to the ring in his early career in the 80s. Makes you wonder

That Austin photo is hot. A pity good looking guys like that feel that have to camp it up but if that's what they really like so be it.

Has anyone ever noticed how Stone Cold sometimes gets a little limp-wristed in the ring? I know he is married to Debra of the WWF, but who knows?

I was at a party about 5-6 years ago and Steve Austin was there. At one point during the night, he was down to just his boxers! I tell you, TV does not do the man justice!

Marty, I just gotta know: please explain the progress of the party you mentioned and how its dynamics led to Steve getting down to trou?

[quote]Originally posted by gmginsfo:
Marty, I just gotta know: please explain the progress of the party you mentioned and how its dynamics led to Steve getting down to trou?

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It was not a gay party. It was just a pretty rowdy bunch (the Steiner brothers were there, too -- remember them?). It was an Animal House/Frat type thing and everyone was throwing down the brew like mad. Some guys started taking off their shirts, and on a dare Austin (then shirtless) pulled off his slacks. It couldn't have been more than 20-30 seconds before he put them back on. But for that 20-30 seconds time stood still!

Some things a guy just never forgets...that will be one of them.