(Vancouver) NHL players opting out of Pride party activities across the league demonstrates hockey is not yet open to the LGBTQ community, says first professional hockey player to go public his homosexuality.
Brock McGillis works in hopes of changing the perception within the sport he loves through a non-profit organization. Alphabet Sports Collective aims to make the hockey environment safe for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“I think (the controversies surrounding Pride nights) demonstrate the work that needs to be done in the community and with our members to make them feel good,” said McGillis, who played in the OHL, the United Hockey League and the Netherlands.
“The more people are exposed to people who are different from them, the less likely they will be to judge them, not be anti-LGBTQ. We lack visibility in this universe, we lack identities in this world. By having young adults or adults in this environment, the visibility as such will probably lead people to think about what they do and the impact they have on people they know. »
NHL teams have hosted Pride nights for several years to celebrate members of the LGBTQ community and promote inclusion. However, controversies have erupted this season, as several players refused to take part.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov was the first to refuse to don a rainbow-colored jersey in January, citing his Russian Orthodox beliefs. Goaltender James Reimer and brothers Eric and Marc Staal also cited their religious beliefs to explain their refusal to don a special jersey during the warm-up.
The New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks either canceled their night or, in the case of the Wild, decided not to wear special jerseys during the warm-up.
McGillis believes hockey players still living in the closet are affected by these decisions.
“That player is going to think those players hate him,” he said. I know because I was that player. And today, this player is going to be a little more hollow in his closet. »
McGillis spoke of how the support of prominent people in the hockey community has helped him overcome hardships.
“I wanted to die because of hockey. I mutilated my body. I drank a lot. I experienced difficulties. My career was derailed because of it. It was not a good environment for me, he admitted. Then, I see all these representatives of the environment who say rather “No, we want this environment to be good for people like you and for everyone”. »
McGillis and Alphabet Sports Collective co-founder Gabriela Ugarte are working within the hockey community to make a difference.
“Let’s give them tools to make them feel good about being part of the hockey ecosystem in some way. Whether it’s coaching, managing a team, playing — it doesn’t matter. Starting with giving them tools to be part of it,” McGillis said.
“We need to be more present. »
