The National Hockey League (NHL) last
week announced it was partnering with the You Can Play Project to
fight homophobia and transphobia in sports.
“Our motto is 'Hockey Is For
Everyone,'” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “and
our partnership with You Can Play certifies that position in a clear
and unequivocal way. While we believe that our actions in the past
have shown our support for the LGBT community, we are delighted to
reaffirm through this joint venture with the NHL Players' Association
that the official policy of the NHL is one of inclusion on the ice,
in our locker rooms and in the stands.”
The You Can Play Project was started by
Patrick Burke to honor the memory of his brother Brendan Burke, a
college hockey player who in 2009 announced he was gay and advocated
against homophobia in sports, especially hockey. He tragically died
in an auto accident at the age of 21.
“I think the most important thing is
that we're seeing a major professional league and a major
professional players' association step up and make an official
statement about inclusion,” Patrick
Burke said. “This is the hockey community saying to the LGBT
community, 'You are invited. You are welcome. You are embraced
here.' This is huge. From a sports perspective, this is historic.”
The NHL will work with the You Can Play
Project to address LGBT issues with new recruits, on public service
announcements and on counseling players who might be considering
coming out publicly.