Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE

Description

When Pat Patterson was 17 years old, he was thrown out of his house after telling his parents he was in love with a man. Back when homophobia was widespread, Pat lived in the super-macho world of pro wrestling. In this fascinating and revealing memoir, revolutionary talent, pioneer, and creative savant Patterson recalls the trials and tribulations of climbing to the upper ranks of sports entertainment - as a performer and, later, as a backstage creative force.

Pat Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 and currently works as a creative consultant for WWE. Bertrand Hebert is the co-author of Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screwjobs and the upcoming "Mad Dog" Vachon biography. Vincent K. McMahon is the Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of WWE. A third generation promoter, McMahon purchased the company from his father in 1982. Under his leadership, WWE has developed into one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of global entertainment today.

"A moving story about staying true to one's dreams, ambitions, and identity -- even in the face of improbable odds. Pat Patterson shares a stirring portrait of his rise to wrestling icon and trailblazer for LGBT athletes everywhere. Accepted is yet another display of strength and courage in Patterson's storied career as one of the world's most well-known wrestlers." -- Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD "Pat is one of the greatest mentors I've ever had in the world of sports-entertainment. He has been instrumental in some of the greatest story lines and matches in my entire career, and I am forever grateful for his guidance and knowledge." -- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson "Pat Patterson is a wrestling Jedi. He's the Yoda of WWE. He taught me 90% of what I know about how to put together a match. I had no idea how little I really knew about the psychology of the business until I met him." -- Chris Jericho "Pat Patterson is considered a genius in our business -- his wisdom and dedication are simply unmatched. Like so many WWE Superstars, I'm lucky to have learned from him and my career wouldn't have been the same without him. Pat has played an integral part in my professional and personal life and I'm proud to say that he'll always be a close friend and confidant." -- Paul "Triple H" Levesque "Pat is one of the greatest minds to ever have anything to do with wrestling." -- Bret "Hit Man" Hart