Earlier this week, former WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft came out as Transgender, saying, “This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me.”
From 2000-2010 Tuft, also known as “Tyler Reks,” wrestled professionally until leaving her career to spend more time with her wife and daughter.
On Thursday, Tuft wrote in a lengthy Instagram post, “I am no longer afraid, and I am no longer fearful,” after an emotional countdown leading up to the announcement. “I can now say with confidence that I love myself for WHO I am.”
Tuft told Extra TV that she has been “suppressing” her gender identity for her entire life. She called the last eight months “some of the darkest” of her life, describing the “emotional turmoil” or embracing her true self.
She wrote on Instagram, “However, the day I stopped caring about what other people thought, was the day I truly became limitless and allowed my authentic self to come into the light.”
Tuft expressed that she has the support of her partner, family, and closest friends, saying that she is “forever grateful for their approval.” She added that she remains the same person she’s always been.
“I don’t expect everyone to agree or understand. It’s not my place to change any of your core beliefs. Just know that the outer shell may change, but the soul remains the same,” she wrote. “I promise to always be transparent and truthful with my journey and to be a light to those that are in need.”
