Ireland’s first out strongman says taking part in competitions is similar to drag queens performing
Chris McNaghten made history as the first openly gay strongman in Ireland and the UK
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
The first ever openly gay strongman in Ireland the UK says taking part in competitions is the same as drag queens.
Chris McNaghten – who is engaged to his partner John – made history when he became Ireland’s first openly gay strongman and, although he doesn’t want his sexuality to define his title, he opened up about competing in one of the world’s most masculine sports.
While speaking to the Irish Sun, McNaghten compared competing in the strongest man competitions is the same as drag queens performing.
He said: “I’m the first openly gay strongman to come out in the UK and Ireland, possibly even Europe.
“The shock that people have that you’re gay — I don’t think it’s something that matters to me. I generally just think it’s gossip.
“I absolutely love drag queens, they’re the mummies of the gay world.
“Drag is about putting on a performance and about performing for people. It’s the exact same way whenever I’m on stage competing.”