Arts & Entertainment
Wrestler becomes first openly gay pro athlete in Switzerland
A Swiss wrestler has officially come out of the closet, making him the nation’s first openly gay professional athlete.
Curdin Orlik, who is a “swing” wrestling champion, revealed his sexuality to the Swiss publication The Magazine, according to OutSports.
The 27-year-old Orlik told interviewers, “I’d rather be free than fearful,” going on to add, “I am like that. I can’t help it. That’s how I was born.”
Swing wrestling, though unknown in most of the world, is a very popular Swiss sport with origins in a folk tradition of wrestlers competing against each other within a circle of sawdust. The contestants dress up to compete, rather than stripping down to a singlet. Champions in the sport become celebrities, leading to lucrative product endorsement deals – which is one reason, according to Orlik, he had previously remained in the closet.
However, homophobic comments experienced throughout his life also played a part.
“I heard things on the school building square [like] ‘you gay pig,’ ‘you faggot,’” he told reporters. “Or in soccer, ‘such a gay pass!’ Even when swinging [wrestling]. Sure, nobody really meant that, but if you’re like that yourself, you think, ‘Shit, that’s not a good thing.’ I thought: I don’t want to be gay.”
“But it’s me,” he declared. “Now it’s out.”
Switzerland passed a law in 2018 making homophobia and transphobia illegal, with penalties including up to three years in prison.
The young athlete also told The Magazine he had sought relationships with men through dating apps while he had been closeted, but that it was too difficult. He married a girlfriend, and the couple have a 2-year-old son together, but they have now separated – though Orlik is still part of his son’s life.
He told reporters, “For far too long I have pushed out who I really am. I am not someone who kisses in front of people, but I want to lie down with a man and be able to touch him. I always knew that I was gay, for sure since I was 12.”
After the interview was published, fans on social media showed overwhelming support for Orlik, who responded on Instagram by posting:
“Wow, I am overwhelmed by the large number of positive reactions I’ve gotten across all the various channels? With really awesome Feedback, I’m just starting out in a new, open and free period of life. Many thanks – from the very heart❤ A special thanks goes to my parents and everyone else who supported me in my family.”
A post shared by Curdin Orlik (@curdinorlik) on Mar 8, 2020 at 4:13am PDT
“For far too long I have pushed out who I really am,” Orlik laments. “I am not someone who kisses in front of people, but I want to lie down with a man and be able to touch him. I always knew that I was gay, for sure since I was 12.”
Since the article posted this weekend, Orlik has received overwhelming encouragement and support on social media. He thanked his supporters on Facebook, saying, “Wow, I am overwhelmed by the large number of positive reactions that you have sent me through a variety of channels. With your wonderful feedback, I’m now starting a new, open and free period of life.”
Welcome to the family, Curdin.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
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The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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