Gay hockey veteran says he’s not here for ‘fake inclusion’ after NHL Pride Tape scandal
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Gay hockey veteran Brock McGillis has spoken out about the recent NHL Pride Tape scandal, stating that he is not interested in players “pretending they’re inclusive” when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues in the sport. McGillis, who made headlines when he came out as gay in 2016, has been actively fighting against homophobia in hockey and has been touring around Canada to meet with minor league teams to discuss LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance.
The NHL Pride Tape scandal unfolded last year when the league initially banned players from using Pride Tape on their sticks to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. This decision was met with widespread backlash from players, fans, and LGBTQ+ advocates, who argued that it silenced queer voices while protecting homophobes and transphobes. The NHL’s decision to ban Pride-themed jerseys and other specialty kits during warm-ups also faced criticism.
McGillis, who started his minor league hockey tour just a month after the NHL reversed its ban on Pride Tape, believes that sharing his own story and experiences can help “humanize the impact of trying to be gay within the sport” and make players recognize the impact their words can have. He stated that he would rather know what players truly believe than see them “pretend they’re inclusive.”
The controversy surrounding the Pride Tape ban led to public protests by players like Travis Dermott of the Arizona Coyotes, who defied the rule and used the tape during a game. It is likely that Dermott’s protest played a role in the NHL’s decision to rescind the ban.
Now, McGillis aims to teach young players to display the same level of leadership as Dermott. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to inspire these players to become “shift makers” who stand up against homophobia and create a more inclusive environment both on and off the ice. McGillis believes that this shift in attitude among younger players could lead to greater acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in hockey.
In his interview with CTV News, McGillis emphasized that he does not want “fake inclusion” and does not want players to simply wear Pride jerseys or use Pride Tape without truly supporting the LGBTQ+ community. He hopes that by being open about their beliefs, players can foster a more genuine and accepting environment within the sport.
McGillis’s efforts to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey are commendable. By sharing his story and experiences, he is helping to raise awareness and educate young players about the importance of acceptance and support. It is crucial for sports organizations, such as the NHL, to actively promote inclusivity and take a stand against homophobia and discrimination. Only then can hockey truly become a sport that welcomes and embraces individuals from all walks of life.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
“NHL Pride Tape scandal”
