The “Native Beast” Nyla Rose is adding a new, prestigious, and deeply personal accolade to her collection. The All Elite Wrestling star was officially honored by the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, with a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing her contributions as a trailblazing icon during Pride Month.
Nyla Rose, who is a former AEW Women’s World Champion and a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities, shared the emotional moment with her followers on Instagram. She posted a photo of herself, beaming with pride with a rainbow painted on her cheek, holding the beautifully framed proclamation.
In her post, Rose expressed her gratitude, saying the moment felt “a little surreal.” She wrote: “still searching for the words to fit the moment, but for now I want to say thank you to @morgantownwvpride and the city of Morgantown WVA and of course ahem the MAYOR @hammerjoebrooks for this amazing honor, and gift.”
The proclamation, signed by Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam, designates June as Pride Month in Morgantown and specifically honors Nyla Rose as the city’s “Art for Change” recipient. The document beautifully articulates Rose’s impact, celebrating her as a “trailblazing transgender woman of color, internationally celebrated professional wrestler, and media entertainer.” It praises her for using her platform to “break barriers, increase LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream sports and entertainment, and empower queer and trans people around the world through her artistry, courage, and unapologetic authenticity.”
This official recognition is a powerful testament to the positive change Nyla Rose champions both in and out of the squared circle.
Here is the full text of the proclamation:
MORGANTOWN
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, Pride Month arrives at a time when LGBTQ+ individuals across the country are facing renewed threats, including discriminatory legislation, targeted violence, and efforts to dismantle civil rights protections, making it more important than ever to reaffirm the City of Morgantown’s steadfast commitment to the safety, dignity, and equity of all LGBTQ+ people; and
Whereas, Pride Month is rooted in the courageous actions of Black and Brown trans women during the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to inspire the pursuit of justice and liberation for all; and
Whereas, the LGBTQ+ community in Morgantown, including queer and trans Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, disabled, queer, quest, intersex, and many other diverse members enrich our community and are an integral and vibrant part of the academic, economic, artistic, and social spaces of Morgantown; and
Whereas, the City of Morgantown is committed to fostering an inclusive community free of discrimination, where every person is valued, respected, and empowered to live authentically and safely, and supported by their peers, educators, and community leaders; and
Whereas, the right to gather, celebrate, and protest is vital to the LGBTQ+ movement, and the City recognizes the power and necessity of queer visibility, expression, and resilience; and
Whereas, the creative arts, including visual, musical, and performance art, serve as a powerful vehicle for social change, and LGBTQ+ artists continue to challenge injustice, uplift marginalized voices, and inspire global audiences; and
Whereas, Nyla Rose, a trailblazing transgender woman of color, internationally celebrated professional wrestler, and media entertainer, has used her platform to break barriers, increase LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream sports and entertainment, and empower queer and trans people around the world through her artistry, courage, and unapologetic authenticity; and
Whereas, the City of Morgantown proudly honors Nyla Rose as this year’s Art for Change recipient for her extraordinary contributions as an LGBTQ+ icon whose work on a global stage exemplifies the power of resilience, representation, and pride.
Now therefore, I, Joe Abu-Ghannam, Mayor of the City of Morgantown, West Virginia, on behalf of the entire City Council, do proclaim the Month of June as
Pride Month in the City of Morgantown
and proudly recognize:
Nyla Rose
as this year’s Art for Change recipient.
Seal: [Gold Seal of the City of Morgantown, West Virginia]
Joe Abu-Ghannam, Mayor
June 14th
