I'll Take Gay Male Rugby Cheerleaders For 500, Alex

Being an openly gay cheerleader in Australian rugby can't exactly be easy, but Aaron Neich is beginning his career with a great attitude. If people don't like it, they can talk to the hand.

Neich, 19, tried out recently for a spot on the Penrith Panthers National Rugby League cheerleading squad at an open audition, and made it. Now the real work begins.

"Penrith haven't really seen any male cheerleaders, they are going to be like 'Oh My God', I am going to get out there and strut my stuff,'' he said. He is expecting some heckling but is prepared. "I have had it all my life, I have grown up with getting names called, if people call me a gay poof, I am and I don't care. If you have got it, flaunt it."

So the U.S. falls woefully behind in the gay male cheerleader race. If you don't count Steely McBeam.

I think that Aaron's story is great and wish him the best of luck, although I enjoyed it more the first time I saw it, when it was called Billy Elliot.

Rugby Team Hires First Gay Cheerleader [Bob's Blitz] Aaron Neitch Is First Gay Panthers Cheerleader [Daily Telegraph] Aaron Neich [ Penrith Panthers]