As Pride season unfolds, two prominent LGBTQ+ figures are spotlighting their personal fitness journeys and a major fitness brand's commitment to building supportive gym spaces. Quinton Peron, the groundbreaking former NFL cheerleader and choreographer, and Rachel Paulson, a rising actress and queer storyteller, shared exclusive insights into how they approach wellness and why creating judgment-free fitness environments matters.
Breaking Ground On and Off the Field
Peron, now 33, has built a remarkable career as a dancer and choreographer while becoming one of the first male cheerleaders in the NFL. He performed at the Super Bowl twice, in 2019 and 2022, and later competed on The Amazing Race. Beyond the spotlight, Peron emphasizes that his success stems from dedication rather than talent alone. "I know how much blood, sweat, and tears I have personally put into my craft, and I know for a fact that no one can take that away from me," he said in an exclusive interview.
Paulson has carved out her own path as a writer, producer, and actress, with over 20 credits including the indie film Good Kisser and the web series Dating Zoe. She wrote, produced, and starred in the queer coming-of-age feature Making Estrangements, establishing herself as a storyteller committed to centering LGBTQ+ narratives.
The Power of Judgment-Free Spaces
Both spoke about their partnership with Planet Fitness and its Judgment Free Zone ethos. Peron recalled feeling intimidated when he first began his fitness journey but found comfort once he realized the gym culture was genuinely welcoming. "Having such a big ethos smacked on the walls right when you walk in definitely helps ease the pressure," he explained. Paulson echoed this sentiment, noting that at Planet Fitness, "working out feels welcoming, inclusive, and Judgment Free for everyone."
The gym chain's 2026 Planet Fitness Pride collection benefits LGBTQ+ community centers through CenterLink, a nonprofit that strengthens and connects LGBTQ+ centers nationwide. For Peron, the ideal workout space combines fun music, clean equipment, and supportive staff, allowing people to focus on their goals without fear of judgment.
Fitness as Self-Care
Peron's gym playlist reflects his eclectic taste, shifting daily between energetic tracks and podcasts depending on his mood. He's currently cycling through "Energía Bonita" by Alganori and Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" album. These details underscore a broader point both figures emphasize: fitness is deeply personal, and creating spaces where people feel safe to explore their own wellness journey is essential to building a truly inclusive community.
Source: Queerty
Cover photo: Cliff Booth / Pexels
