Unlike the New York Rangers and Islanders, the Canadians will host their LGBTQ+ party as scheduled on Thursday, April 6 during the Washington Capitals’ visit, to the great relief of organizations that value sexual and gender diversity.
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“It’s reassuring and makes me proud to see that Canadians here in Montreal continue to support this initiative,” said Marie Houzeau, executive director of GRIS-Montréal, a research and social intervention group that has attended this event at the Habs for a few years.
“We’ve seen how positive such a stance from organizations like Canadian could have for young people and people involved in settings where homophobia and transphobia are still very much present, like the world of sports.” She makes further.
During the warm-up phase, the CH players run with jerseys and ribbons on the rainbow-colored sticks, which are then auctioned off for the benefit of organisations.
“The Montreal Canadiens intend to continue as a team to demonstrate their support and respect for their supporters, organization members, athletes and communities affected by discrimination and injustice, and to continue their efforts to raise awareness and support of their partners in the to sharpen community,” the Habs confirms to the Journal.
Sad setback
The Rangers and Islanders recently canceled their evening in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer community in esports, without issuing a specific statement.
“It’s created an anti-support movement and it’s very surprising that it’s coming from the New York Rangers and Islanders because they’re in a state that’s quite open to the LGBTQ+ cause,” observes Dominique Théberge, the general director of JAG, an organization works in Montrégie. This is a major setback for human rights. »
Previously, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a multicolored jersey.
“I respect everyone. I respect everyone’s choices. Mine is to remain true to myself and my religion,” the Orthodox Russian declared, igniting social networks.
“We didn’t ask him to do anything extreme, just wear a colorful sweater to do good,” says Mr. Théberge. You can hide behind your religion to explain gestures of hate, but religion also preaches helping others, inclusion, love, fellowship. »
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman responded by saying that the league continues to promote inclusion with its “Hockey is for All” program, but that individual choices should be “respected.”
“It’s really a shame, we’re taking two steps forward and three steps back,” exclaims Ms. Houzeau. It’s not about opinions, it’s about human rights and giving positive role models to young people, whether they come from any minority group, who have the right to play sports and dream at the highest level. »
Model wanted
And if an NHL hockey player said loud and clear that they support the LGBTQ+ cause, Mr. Théberge says it would make all the difference.
“It would help a lot, it would bring hope,” he says. Players don’t always realize it, but for some they are heroes who stand in the closet and say to themselves: “I would like to be a hockey player, but I won’t because I don’t want to live off discrimination”. »
– With the collaboration of Jean-François Chaumont