Dave Bautista Supports LGBTQ Community Against Controversial Bishop’s Tweet

By Jessica Carlson aka Laughingpuffin

Dave Bautista – better known as Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy and professional WWE wrestler – is sticking up for the LGBTQ community, and his family.

The actor took to Twitter on Sunday, and passionately responded to a comment by user @ThomasJTobin1. 

Thomas J. Tobin is a bishop in Providence, RI, and an out-spoken opponent of the LGBTQ community and movement. He tweeted on the first day of Pride Month, “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”

Bautista responded:

My moms a lesbian. I think I turned out ok. And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I’m not perfect but atleast I was never a judgmental hypocrite! Im sure you dont speak for most Catholics.Have a nice day ?? https://t.co/S5t47A170n

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) June 2, 2019

A number of celebrities and advocates turned their focus to Tobin’s tweet, lashing out with comments of support for the LGBTQ community.

Tobin did release a statement, responding to his now-viral tweet.

“I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community. That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offense.”

Tobin said he and the Catholic Church have “respect and love for members of the gay community.”

He went on to say that, “As a Catholic Bishop, however, my obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues.  That is what I have always tried to do – on a variety of issues – and I will continue doing so as contemporary issues arise.”

It appears that Dave Bautista was a force behind the notoriety for the Bishop’s tweet. Bautista’s reply garnered 180,000 likes, while Tobin’s initial tweet was a fraction of that.

The church leader does reside in a state where Governor Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza both have pledged their support to the LGBTQ community.

Dave Bautista attended Phoenix Comic Fest as a guest in May 2018.

June is LGBT Pride month in the United States, which commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969.

She’s tiny, but mighty… Fierce but kind… Standing in at 4’11” and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications… Taking names and kicking butt… Jessica Carlson! In high school, Jessica was introduced to her two biggest hobbies: journalism and comic conventions. After graduation, she gave up the dream of becoming a rock and roll icon, and went to college. In that time, she worked for the CW6, 12 News, AZFamily.com, Cronkite News, ASU’s I.T. department, and then graduated in December of 2017 with a 4-year degree, in 3 years. After that, she immediately got hired by Fox 10 Phoenix as an Associate Producer. And now, she is a freelance writer for the Geek Lyfe, specializing in breaking news. Social media: https://twitter.com/JessLCarlson https://www.facebook.com/JessLCarlson/ https://www.instagram.com/jessicalynncarlson/