Keep Pride in the Game
Bringing awareness to the importance of Pride support, representation and celebration in hockey.
Keep Pride in the Game is a campaign in response to the uproar caused by professional hockey players declining to wear Pride warm-up jerseys during the previous season.
This campaign aims to promote the importance of league-wide support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community by highlighting that it loses its significance without the backing of the entire league. The launch of this initiative coincides with the NHL's recent decision to prohibit the use of Pride jerseys in the future.
The public's attention will be on the league on June 28th, as they host their entry draft event in Nashville, TN, marking their first appearance since this announcement.
Hockey should be for EVERYONE.
Show you agree by taking the following actions:
Watch this video and scroll to learn why this matters, and how you can help create more inclusive hockey spaces.
Sign and share our petition
3. Share this video and tag the NHL
Why is this important?
Visibility matters:
Amplifying the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, giving them a platform to share their personal journeys and the positive impact sports has had on their lives is absolutely necessary. 2SLGBTQ+ youth especially need role models, not only to see other people like them in sport and society so that they feel represented, inspired, and motivated to be their best selves, but also because it has a positive effect on their social and emotional well-being!
According to 2019 census data in the U.S., roughly 3.9 percent of the male population identified as gay, bisexual or transgender. If the current NHL population reflects that ratio, we should have as many as 36 active NHLers who identify that way. Officially, we have one. *
73% including those under the age of 20 at the time of the study, said it is not safe for LGB youth to come out to their teammates.
Only one in five LGBTQ young people who were “out” to all or most of those they knew participated in sports.**
*(LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVITY IN HOCKEY: WHAT'S WRONG, AND WHAT MUST CHANGE?, The Hockey News, 2021)
**The Trevor Project 2023
“Living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink and improve my chances of fulfilling my dreams… I hope that in sharing who I am I can help other people see that gay people are welcome in the hockey community, as we work to make sure that hockey is truly for everyone.”
Luke Prokop, NHL’s First Openly Gay Player
Sport, and hockey in particular, isn’t very inclusive or safe for 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, or fans.
A positive space refers to a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities) feel safe, seen, and comfortable being their full authentic selves. It is a place where normative assumptions are challenged, gender and sexual diversity are celebrated, and an intersectional understanding of identity is acknowledged. In a positive space, human rights are respected, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as their friends and allies, can not only participate and engage with dignity but can also feel embraced and supported.
Positive spaces in sport culture and sport events are necessary. Sport possesses the capacity to create an environment that unites individuals and communities, fostering empathetic connections through social interactions with athletes, fans, coaches, and role models. Unfortunately, 2SLGBTQ+ people continue to experience invisibility, exclusion, and abuse within sport culture.
In 2023 so far, over 65 anti-LGBTQ sports bans have been introduced in state legislatures in the US.
Hockey Canada officials called 512 penalties during the 2021-22 season for discrimination-related offences; 61% of discrimination penalties were for offences related to sexual orientation or gender identity. *
Nearly all of the top men’s professional sports have seen players come out about their sexualities only after retirement.*
In a Trevor Project survey on LGBTQ Youth, 18% reported they overheard a coach or sports leader say negative things about people who are LGBTQ.
Two-thirds of LGB athletes and 85% of trans athletes report experiencing at least one episode of discrimination.**
Nearly 90% of LGBTQ people in 2019 believe homophobia and transphobia remain current problems in sport.
78% believe an openly 2SLGBTQ+ person would not be very safe as a spectator at a sporting event.***
*Hockey Canada, Tracking Discrimination in Hockey rule 11.4, 2021-22
**Egale study
***Outonthefields.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/OUTSPORT-RESEARCH-Report-EU-Relevance-of-SOGI-in-Sport-in-Europe.pdf
“There is something special about being able to show up and feeling like you fit in, without that voice in the back of your head wondering what people are really thinking and stressing about what you need to do to appear “normal.” Gay hockey has helped me become a human again, in both a physical and social sense. It’s shown me that “Embrace your differences” and “It’s ok to be gay” are real sentiments, not words that may or may not be true.”
Breanne Cyr, What Gay Hockey Means to Me, 2021-22
Playing sports comes with lots of benefits:
Playing sports helps people maintain good physical health, build self-confidence and self-esteem, grow leadership skills, understand the value of teamwork, find community, and much more. 2SLGBTQ+ folks shouldn’t be excluded from these opportunities, especially 2SLGBTQ+ youth! Research shows that life-affirming sports participation can be a protective factor against suicide among 2SLGBTQ+ young people.
But….
24% of LGBTQ youth say they play a school sport, compared to 68% of all youth. *
There is demonstrable evidence that LGBTQI2S people are not choosing to exclude themselves from sport due to lack of interest, but also that LGBTQI2S people, particularly transgender people, self-exclude due to safety concerns **
“Seeing players wearing Pride jerseys, even just for warmups, makes me think that I do not need to hide who I am in this game.”
Carson Gates, queer NCAA hockey player
Sport for social change:
The unifying power of sport has spurred social change throughout history and continues to play a vital role in advancing equity and civil rights. Athletes, teams, organizations, and fans at all levels can provide an essential influence to improve the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ hockey lovers and inspire social change.
Tips for making your hockey space more inclusive for the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Model Respect:
Whether you’re a coach, trainer, athlete, fan, or other member of the hockey community, you can show you care by modeling respect for everyone, on and off the ice. Modeling respectful interactions has a “ripple” effect and the inclusive actions and attitudes you show others will likely be reflected in the way they treat others too. If you’re in a leadership position, consider creating or updating your code(s) of conduct (team, league, fan) to explicitly ban/condemn homophobic, transphobic, and/or anti-2SLGBTQ+ conduct.
“We want hockey to be a safe place for everyone to play, watch and love the game. let's end the hate and accept everyone for who they are.”
JT Brown, former NHL Hockey Player
Affirming Language:
From respecting pronouns and names to avoiding gendered language and gender based cliches, you can show respect for everyone by being conscious of the words you use and hear. Below find some tips on where you can start:
Pronouns: Words used to refer to a person without naming them
Used by everyone of any gender; common ones include he, she, they
You can’t tell someone’s pronouns by looking at them
Etiquette on using pronouns:
Always use a person’s correct pronouns even when they aren’t around and correct others using incorrect pronouns
Rather than assuming someone’s pronouns, introduce yourself with yours!
Mistakes happen so if you get it wrong ACT - apologize quickly, correct yourself, and try again.
Addressing groups: Instead of “ladies and gentlemen, ”“boys and girls,” “ladies,” or “guys,” try genderless terms such as “team,” “everyone,” or “folks.”
Consider impact over intent: There are many commonplace expressions and phrases in hockey (and sport) that have unintended harmful impacts. Be mindful of the language you use and try to avoid phrases that use generalizations or stereotypes, such as “boys will be boys,” “you shoot like a girl,” and “hockey is for boys.”
“As a gay lifelong hockey player and fan, I still feel an overwhelming sense of joy when I see NHL players and teams using Pride Tape. The visibility and intentionality of players using Pride Tape helps hockey move toward the vision of making it a space for everyone, especially LGBTQ+ youth.”
Pride Tape. Co- founder Joey Gale
Be an up-stander:
If you witness someone in the community being discriminated against or overhear anti-2SLGBTQ+ language or attitudes, use your privilege to intervene. Depending on the situation, you could try speaking up in the moment or having a private conversation afterwards, always remembering to check in on the person who may have been harmed. Allyship doesn’t end when the final whistle blows or when 2SLGBTQ+ folks aren’t around - you can address harmful behaviour in any space to establish an inclusive environment.
“I choose to fight for inclusion for all in sports, but especially hockey because I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to choose between the sport they love and living the life they’ve always dreamed of.
Jessica Platt, Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association
Create a positive safe space:
A positive space refers to a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities) feel safe, seen, and comfortable being their full authentic selves. In a positive space, human rights are respected, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as their friends and allies, are embraced and supported. Whether it’s the locker room, the travel bus, the stands, or the living room, we all have a role to play in creating and maintaining positive hockey spaces. Some simple things you can do include displaying Pride stickers and flags and posters with positive messaging and/or useful information!
“You will feel happier, you will feel better, and you will be stronger when you learn to love yourself for who you are ”
Brock McGillis, the first openly gay professional hockey player
Get Trained:
When you want to improve on the ice, you start by recognizing your weaknesses and making a plan to work on them. The same applies for creating an inclusive hockey space! Not sure what the initialism stands for? Unsure what to do if someone comes out to you? Confused about how to use neutral pronouns? Check out our 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity workshops (or a local organization) to learn more about how we can help you and your hockey space become more welcoming and inclusive.
“I came out to show that you can be gay and play ice hockey. My dream is for all LGBTQI+ athletes to be able play their sport, be open about who they are, and be embraced by their teammates and fans.”
Jon Lee Olsen
(Un)learn & Stay Informed:
Use books, blogs, social media, podcasts and websites to educate yourself on the issues, terminology, and experiences relevant to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Stay informed on local and national policies that affect hockey and sport spaces, but also on the policies affecting the 2SLGBTQ+ community in general, especially if you’re travelling. Look to your local 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy groups and non-profit organizations for the most up-to-date information.
“Sports should be for everyone and anyone who wishes to participate regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”
Heidi Johnston, Sports Partnership Manager at You Can Play
Advocate for change:
Speak up and advocate for positive change in your hockey space. If you’re in a leadership position, be visible with your support and commitment to diversity and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and coaches. Advocacy could look like:
Reaching out to local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations like the ones below.
Examining your policies to ensure they include protection for 2SLGBTQ+ folks.
Starting conversations with other hockey lovers.
Speaking with local politicians about inclusion in sports.
Regardless of what shape your advocacy takes, it often has a positive ripple effect!
“The NHL has stripped away the chance for young LGBTQ+ fans to see players wearing a jersey that symbolizes inclusion and support for a community that is so often targeted.”
Harrison Browne
Big thank you to Harrison Browne, first openly out transgender athlete in professional hockey, for his advocacy and representation.