Pro-Hockey Players Team Up to Fight ‘Casual Homophobia’ & Defend Gay Rights in Sports
- Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:03am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Thirty players in the National Hockey League (NHL) are coming together to fight for gay equality in sports. The sports figures, scouts and others involved in a new campaign called, “You Can Play,“ are railing against the ”casual homophobia” they see in locker rooms and sports more generally.
A new PSA that premiered during Sunday’s game (New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins) features the players discussing the issues, while maintaining that the most important elements that dictate one’s sports career should be skills and ability — not sexuality.
The general premise behind the campaign is that there is language — be it hurtful or inappropriate — that is often used among players who assume that homosexuals aren’t present in sports. In addition to combating the negative atmosphere that may result from this faulty assumption, the campaign also seeks to inspire gay athletes to come out and serve as role models to young people who may be struggling with their sexuality.
Here‘s the group’s mission statement, as presented on its web site:
You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.
You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.
You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.
Screen shot from the "You Can Play" project web site
“You’ve got this thing where people don’t think there are, or choose not to believe there are, gay athletes in their locker rooms,” talent scout Patrick Burke (Philadelphia Flyers) explains. “You get what we call casual homophobia, with people almost always not realizing the effect it has on the kid in the corner of the locker room who is gay and is trying to keep it a secret.”
Burke, who co-founded the “You Can Play” campaign, reiterates that the focus should be solely on athletes and their abilities. The end goal is to inspire an environment in which people are valued for their ability to play a sport, while not being held back by others because of their sexual orientation.
Below, watch the first ad from the campaign:
This is the first in a series of PSAs that are expected to come from the professional athletes.
(H/T: The Raw Story/Reuters)
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 577 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 404 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 372 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 344 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 404 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 344 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 150 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (92)
Tri-ox
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:02amRidiculous.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:38am.
There is not enough Liquor in the World, to get me drunk enough to think is OK……..
Gay Blades, Skipping Football Players, Baseball Players Sliding lil’ head first……….
Somebody turn out the light…….
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:02amOh. Another “Pro” sport bites the sports fan. Well, I already won’t watch “Pro” football, basketball, baseball or golf. Might as well just make it a clean sweep. It sure hasn’t hurt me any. As a matter of fact, I have done a lot more with that time than I would have other wise.
I don’t support any professional sport any longer. And I won’t watch them either.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:31amWhat % of the Population is Gay (2%)? — Why are bending over?
Report Post »Marci
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:45am……while maintaining that the most important elements that dictate one’s sports career should be skills and ability — not sexuality. FOLLOWED UP BY …..In addition to combating the negative atmosphere that may result from this faulty assumption, the campaign also seeks to inspire gay athletes to come out and serve as role models to young people who may be struggling with their sexuality.
Okay, which is it? Their sexual orientation should not be an issue, but to make yourself feel all warm and fuzzy, you want them all to out themselves and become poster children for your do-gooder (pat on your own back) cause? What a crock of crap. How hard is it these days for people just to say “Please stop talking that way….” and in many cases, the person saying it does. If they don’t, you frickin IGNORE them. We have a nation of idiots willfully silencing and censoring themselves and making it incredibly easy to white out the 1st amendment. At this rate, once erased, we won’t know the difference between free speech and what it has evolved into.
Report Post »RabidPatriot
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 11:59amThe only thing keeping homosexuals out of sports is lack of athletic talent. Nobody is being prevented from playing sports. Elton John would be signed to a contract tomorrow if he could score goals like Sidney Crosby.
Report Post »Sleazy Hippo
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 12:54pmProfessional ice hockey is one of the most rigorous and athletic American sports – it is ranked on par with Gymnastics and Boxing with the level of athletic ability, stamina, and skill required. It is more athletic than basketball and way more athletic than baseball and way way more athletic than Golf. Most of the 2% Gay athletes are found in NASCAR, Bowling, Swimming and Gymnastics.
Report Post »db321
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 1:57pmPenn State felt the same way – what you do in the privacy of your home is your Business – what you do to my family or me is my Business – just asked the gay man at the Nursery when I was buying some plants for my yard.
The first wave of his hand over my mid section area seem accidental – the second one wasn’t and he now has a broken nose. I ended up buying my plants from a another Nursery.
I’m not sure what happen to the **** that tried to touch me without my permission – the last thing I remember is that he was lying in a pool of blood. Suck to be him!
Report Post »VoteBushIn12
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 1:34am@SLEAZY HIPPO
The fact that you think homosexuals play certain sports and not others is what makes you an idiot. Clearly you’ve never gotten off your fat arse and played a competitive sport.
And to everyone else who is willing to stop watching Hockey because they don’t hate homosexuals should show how bigoted and disgusting you are as human beings.
Let me put it clearly, just this once:
The only books of the bible that are anti-gay are the ones written in the Old Testament. If you think those teachings still hold true then you should follow ALL 613 commandments (that means eating Kosher, keeping the Sabbath, no mixing linens, etc). If you truly believe Jesus nullified those requirements then you CANNOT CLAIM HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN.
Defeated with your own logic. How’s it feel?
Report Post »beachmom
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:00amPathetic.
Report Post »Now the NHL has gone politically correct and given in to the homosexual agenda.
Why do homosexuals think the whole world wants to know what they do in their bedrooms?
Shut up and play.
sWampy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:22amBecause they know damn well that every society on the planet that has embraced homosexuality hasn’t been a civilized society 50 years later. These guys want the society to collapse so they can rebuild it in one where they rule with the rest of us as their slaves.
Report Post »Wyld_goose
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:00amUmmm excuse me, this is hockey. There are fights in hockey. It will be the end of hockey the first time of these princesses files for a hate crime because he got his teeth knocked out.
Report Post »keaton
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:59amGraham James was a homosexual coach that raped Theo Fleury, Sheldon Kennedy, and who knows how many other hockey players. I am sure he approves this message!
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 11:10amdang, were these all grown men? were they.. like.. skatin ‘necked’.. got checked then poked with the joy stick.. on ice? don’t know that story. sorry if it’s true.. can’t imagine.
Report Post »Duckhead
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 11:56amNo. They were boys playing youth hockey and that twisted puke abused them.
Report Post »keaton
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 12:04pmGoogle Graham James, He was a junior hockey coach, that buggered these 16 to 18 year old hockey players. As coach he used his position to make them do it. Does anybody really want this openly in the dressingroom?
Report Post »GoingBeck
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:57amIf you‘re a straight male and you’ve ever had another man make a pass at you, this is making you sick to your stomach. Until you’ve had to spend some time in a gay environment, like in a job that takes you there, you really don’t know what they are like. There‘s a reason for so called ’homophobia’. It’s a natural feeling.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:23amWe are born with it, like a fear of spiders, snakes or fire.
Report Post »EndTheGOPTEA
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:10amWow, You guys are like children, So what if a guy hits on you. Are you really adults? Any of you?
The GOP needs to grow up.
Selling Sex for Money = Prostitute
Report Post »Selling your Integrity for Money = Rush Limpballs
bakerpasd24
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 12:19pmEndTheGOPTEA
This coming from the “adult” in the room. Everything you said in the beginning you negate in the end.
Report Post »SouthSideLib
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 12:53pmGoing: I am straight and have had gay guys come onto me and it doesn’t bother me. Don‘t assume that just because you aren’t secure in your sexuality that the rest of us aren’t. I know I‘m straight and so I don’t get worried when a guy hits on me.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 1:55pmAnd there’s nothing wrong with being disgusted with someone of the same gender hitting on you. This is just the left wing trying to thought police people.
Report Post »dfrak
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:55amJust give these guys some figure skates and be done with it. What’s next…trannies on ice?
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:01amForget Dancing with the Stars.
Report Post »I’m waiting for Skating with the NHL.
This will surely put the last nail in the coffin of a dying sport.
Susie
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:55amI don’t understand why the idea that homosexual activity is normal has become so pervasive, and everyone is afraid to speak up against it. IT IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOUR.
Report Post »If someone is predisposed to develop an addiction, or a certain cancer, or any other abnormality, we move heaven and earth to find a cure or to break that addiction, until it comes to homosexuality – a disorder of self gratification – then instead, we just try to force it on everyone else, including our youngest children, as “normal.”
This slippery slope is so steep, we’re destined for rock-bottom very soon.
sawbuck
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:13amSusie.
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 timothy 3:1-5
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:01pmThey’re using the lie of born this way.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:54amOn the secular side of this story ..The libs have been try to “de-man” all sports for some time now ,they tried it with woman but that didn’t work out so well, so they had to settled for Woman-sports-announcers (even in the looker rooms ). Now that the Gay community has main stream support , they will infect every facet of this Nation that we use to hold sacred ..clean. and wholesome .
Report Post »The END-GAME is to demoralize This Once Great Nation.
And if you think otherwise …You are being used .
OleCrusty
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:53amWhat a bunch of crap. No PANDERING!
Report Post »The next time I hear “he SCORES!!!” I‘m sure I’ll spill my beer.
steveh931
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 11:26aml.o.l.
Report Post »megamind
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:46amIts all fun and games till someone likes getting rat tailed in the tushie with a wet towel……..**** IN THE LOCKER ROOM!!!!!!!
Report Post »vaman
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:44amThis sounds like something all good christians should be supporting. To stop hate and increase acceptance. No? Hypocrits?
Report Post »dadsrootbeer
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:38amWow, all thirty players are from the Philadelphia Flyers organization. I always knew it.
Report Post »saranda
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 1:09pmFirst two players filmed for the video were from the Wild, I recognized a couple of Maple Leafs in the video. Philly has Hartnell but I did not see any others.
Report Post »This was started because of Brian Burkes gay son (Burke is GM of the Leafs) who was a publicly gay hockey player.
I think we can all agree that locker rooms are not a comfortable place for anyone who is slightly different in how they look or act. Imagine being gay and listening to all the “jokes” and comments.
sawbuck
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:35amAnother assault on the fabric of this Once Great Nation.
Maybe there’s a reason we are not mentioned in the Bible.
Unless you want to make the case, on the Revived-Roman-Empire.
2 chronicles 7:14
Report Post »If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Gonzo
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:32am…In a related story, Vince Lombardi rolls over in his grave, film at 11:00.
Report Post »dadsrootbeer
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:31amAs an ex-athelete, open gays in the locker room isn’t comfortable.
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:37amThis is sick,but like the military,I don’t care about your sex life.I just don’t want to know.
Report Post »martinez012577
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:45amSame here, I played baseball and it wouldnt fly over very well with our team. I dont care if people are gay, I just dont want myself or my kids to have to view it.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:46amMaybe the networks will develop a sitcom about a “lovable and hilarious” gay athlete to make us all feel comfortable with it.
Report Post »drago
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:30amSounds to my,thar thirty players are gathering for a rump-ranger party……
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:54amSlow down and proof read. You can’t take them back.
Report Post »70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:28amAll their doing is giving them superior rights than anybody else especially if your a white male. Play hockey and shut up you toothless wonders. Worry about tying your shoes with the brain cells you have left. This coming from idiots who play hockey and get and sleep with every ****** they get their hands on and make jokes when they get VD.
Report Post »ConservativeQtee
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:27amSo sick of the gay agenda. Be Gay and Shut The Hell Up. They should throw a few of them into a real hockey game and see the squealing and crying. I’d pay to see that.
Report Post »Grasshopper42
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:26amGod will judge this nation. He’s not going to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.
Report Post »Duckhead
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:24amSpeaking as one of the 12 American citizens who watch hockey… there are now only eleven.
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:44amMake that 10 people…… Never again will I watch or attend another game.
Report Post »ltcwilly
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:24amEwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:24amGary Bettman , the NHL commissioner, has officially wussified my favorite sport to epic levels now. He’s trying to take fighting, hitting out of the game. They think a 12 – 10 hockey game is fun to watch. It’s not! The best games I have ever seen have been 1 – 0 or 2 – 1 games. This putz needs to be fired! Don‘t let pansies run men’s sports. No suprise, seeing the teams doing this. Besides, French Canadians play hockey so we know there are gays playing.
Report Post »dadsrootbeer
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:35amTotally agree with you. The sport has been altered so much with the elimination of the two line pass and other rule changes the sport has turned into a track meet. The much hearlded Gordie Howe power forward player doesn’t exist anymore due to these changes. Old tyme hockey has really become old time hockey.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 11:06am@DADSROOTBEER
Ditto….
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 1:55pm@SQUIDVETOHIO
Report Post »homophobic AND racist! Thanks for the two-fer! So according to you, Jaques Plante, Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Henri “Pocket Rocket” Richard, Guy Lafleur, Jean Béliveau, Yvan Cournoyer, Mario Lemieux, Michael Bossy, Patrick Roy, Martin St-Louis, and Martin Brodeur were all wusses? You do know the first ever professional hockey game was played in Montreal, right? And as bad as the Canadiens are right now, they remain, to this day, the most legendary franchise in the history fo the NHL with 24 Stanley Cups. .
Just in time
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:22amDo heterosexuals have rights that gay people don’t? The game they are playing has nothing to do with sex.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:17am.
Report Post »“Gay Blades” No wonder they fight all the time……..
The Jewish Avenger
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:14amWho the heck is paying attention that they are gay in a middle of a hockey game? What now? Your wrist has to be bent and offer them a hand up when you check them? Come on, this is once again, overkill. Oh no!!!, There are fans that dont like gays? Oooohh… we should rally for them. News Flash: Isn’t going to change their views by saying, “We gang up against you, therefore, you are bad” Doesn’t work well for whose mind you feel you need to change. In other fields btw, its called mob rules or brainwashing. Do I care that a gay person plays sports? Should I be concerned? Apparently there is a lot of defense over it, what the offensive part? As long as they’re HIV negative, whats the deal? And to answer the question, I could give a rats behind if a transsexual is playing hockey, more entertainment to me. OH! What a check!… Oh look, they brought him flowers..
Report Post »