[Article] NHL reportedly bans Pride Tape for 2023-24 season

[RWJC]

24 minutes ago, King Heffy said:

I could see Burke doing it on air as well if he's back on the panel this year.

I hope he does. His voice and history as an executive in almost every capacity within the NHL carries a lot of weight, not to mention the personal aspect of it that might offend him.

[Coconuts]

https://www.outsports.com/2023/10/11/23913358/nhl-pride-tape-gay-queer-lgbtq-carson-gates-college-hockey

 

I came out publicly as a queer college hockey player in April after several NHL players refused to wear a pride-themed jersey during their team’s warmups. Up until that point, I was content with “staying in the closet.”

 

However, coming out to my friends, family and teammates has been one of the greatest things to happen to me. While I have a newfound love and acceptance in hockey, the NHL’s recent ban on specialty jerseys – and now even worse, Pride Tape – makes it feel that hockey is not for everyone.

 

I grew up in a hockey world where the f-slur was used by players and coaches alike. I felt coming out would be a death sentence to my playing career.

Instead, it has rejuvenated it. I am so incredibly thankful that I was able to come out knowing I had the support from everyone in my life, especially my incredible teammates at Chatham University.

 

Since coming out last spring, I have grown exponentially closer with my teammates, and I have found a newfound love for the game of hockey.

I have had so many positive conversations with them and other teammates from my hockey journey, and it felt like the game was moving in the right direction.

 

The NHL, on the other hand, has taken a step back in their support for the LGBTQ+ community with their outright ban of Pride Tape on player’s sticks. We can talk forever about the hypocrisy of the league banning specialty jerseys for warmups, and then subsequently barring players from choosing to use Pride Tape in practices, warmups and games.

 

The Pride Tape on player’s sticks reminds LGBTQ+ folks that we do belong in the game of hockey, when it feels so often that we don’t. When the f-slur is used constantly in locker rooms and on the ice, it is easy to feel alienated from the game we love so much.

 

Seeing the best players in the world supporting my community and me, with just simply taping their stick differently for a 15-minute warmup once a year, genuinely means the world. It shows we are seen, and we are accepted.

 

The NHL would like you to believe that they value inclusion, that “hockey is for everyone.” The League is making it clear that what they really value is covering up support for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

The league responded to the hate thrown toward our community by taking any aspect of our existence away from the NHL ice.

 

I was thankful enough to have an incredible support system around me when I came out, but I know others who are not that lucky. I never would have been able to come out had it not been for my family, friends and teammates’ unwavering support.

 

Seeing NHL players show support toward members of the LGBTQ+ community can be what keeps someone involved in hockey. I didn’t realize I was queer until I started college, but if I knew while I was a part of youth hockey, there’s a very slim chance I would still be playing hockey today.

 

Hockey has made so many positive strides toward inclusion in recent years.

All of that progress means nothing if the NHL retreats.

 

I have gotten the most support from people directly involved in hockey, and the most hate from those who are not. Hockey does not have an LGBTQ+ problem. We do not want to make the game about our sexuality. We want to be able to be who we are and not feel retaliation for that.

 

Still, the culture in and around hockey, and the perception of men’s hockey, sometimes say otherwise. That is what we need to undo.

 

We have seen the discussion online of “taking politics out of hockey.” My sexuality, which I have no control over, is not politics. Pride nights and Pride Tape are a sense of belonging for so many people who feel like outsiders in hockey. And all we want is to feel included in the game we love so much.

 

I have come to realize since coming out, that my teammates love me for me.

However, it is so hard to mentally get past all of the homophobia that is ingrained into the game, especially from a young age.

 

I don’t need Pride Tape to feel like I belong in the game personally, but I know so many people who need that reassurance: those who are closeted, those who don’t have that support and those of us who just want to belong.

Hockey is already a game that is difficult to get into.

 

Between the exorbitant expenses and grueling schedule, we should be doing everything we can as a community to continue to grow the game.

 

In 2023, the NHL has said “Hockey Is No Longer For Everyone.” I’m hoping the league changes course and makes it clear that everyone belongs in this sport I love.

[Sapper]

3 hours ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

I don't think you know what my view is other than what I have stated...that the path of least resistance was to enjoy the 95% victory of 95% of the players being glad to wear the jersey and to not make a big deal out of it if one in twenty players said no thanks to the jersey.

Again from my view we will.have  to agree to disagree...... 

 

[Kevin Biestra]

24 minutes ago, Sapper said:

Again from my view we will.have  to agree to disagree......

 

You disagree when I say that you don't know what my views are...  Whatever.

[aGENT]

3 hours ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

I don't think you know what my view is other than what I have stated...that the path of least resistance was to enjoy the 95% victory of 95% of the players being glad to wear the jersey and to not make a big deal out of it if one in twenty players said no thanks to the jersey.

 

Sorry, but this is how meaningful change occurs. It's frequently difficult and ugly, and yes can include "setbacks". And frankly blaming the media is silly, people are rightfully upset with the ignorance, bigotry and intolerance. I hope people, media included (and players) continue to show their displeasure at it and this latest chicken shit tact. 

Edited October 12, 2023 by aGENT

[Kevin Biestra]

15 minutes ago, aGENT said:

 

Sorry, but this is how meaningful change occurs. It's frequently difficult and ugly, and yes can include "setbacks". And frankly blaming the media is silly, people are rightfully upset with the ignorance, bigotry and intolerance. I hope people, media included (and players) continue to show their displeasure at it and this latest chicken shit tact. 

 

You had meaningful change.  You had a pride night in pretty much every arena where almost every player was wearing a jersey.  Like the parable of the crow with the cheese, everybody had 19 pieces of cheese in their beak and squawked because they didn't have the 20th...and lost all the cheese.

 

Now there's no pride jerseys, no cancer jerseys, no First Nations jerseys, etc.  And it was all predictable from day one.

 

And now people are mad at a corporation for acting like a corporation.

 

Sometimes you just have to accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Kevin Biestra

[aGENT]

1 minute ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

You had meaningful change.  You had a pride night in pretty much every arena where almost every player was wearing a jersey.  Like the parable of the crow with the cheese, everybody had 19 pieces of cheese in their beak and squawked because they didn't have the 20th...and lost all the cheese.

 

Now there's no pride jerseys, no cancer jerseys, no First Nations jerseys, etc.  And it was all predictable from day one.

 

And now people are mad at a corporation for acting like a corporation.

 

Sometimes you just have to accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

 

Or... we can keep demanding required change until we get it.

[Kevin Biestra]

Just now, aGENT said:

Or... we can keep demanding required change until we get it.

 

Well people just demanded their way out of the change they wanted and already had in the palm of their hand.

 

Invest your energy as you best see fit.

[aGENT]

Just now, Kevin Biestra said:

 

Well people just demanded their way out of the change they wanted and already had in the palm of their hand.

 

Invest your energy as you best see fit.

 

The only thing people demanded was that a few people not be allowed to hide behind religion as an excuse for intolerance and bigotry.

[Kevin Biestra]

Just now, aGENT said:

The only thing people demanded was that a few people not be allowed to hide behind religion as an excuse for intolerance and bigotry.

 

Well demanding that on top of what they already had went and lost them everything.

 

And by the way there is no good reason I can think of that those hockey players should not be able to give religion as their reason for their decision.  You aren't a mind reader and neither am I.

[aGENT]

1 hour ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

Well demanding that on top of what they already had went and lost them everything.

 

And by the way there is no good reason I can think of that those hockey players should not be able to give religion as their reason for their decision.  You aren't a mind reader and neither am I.

 

There's no good reason for ignorance and bigotry. Certainly not religion.

[RWJC]

Just now, aGENT said:

 

There's no good reason for ignorance and bigotry. Certainly not religion.

hate to say it, but religion is often the epitome of it. 

[Kevin Biestra]

8 minutes ago, aGENT said:

There's no good reason for ignorance and bigotry. Certainly not religion.

 

The dudes just wanted to not be made to wear a shirt.  They didn't actually do anything to any gay person.  They just wanted to not themselves be made to do something.

 

Proportionate responses are important to making the world actually function.  Throw a fit over that and you get the result we got...no shirts for anyone.  Who's happy now.

 

You could have had 19 out of 20 players wearing a pride jersey on pride night.  Wasn't good enough.  So now we get zero instead.

 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Kevin Biestra

[aGENT]

1 minute ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

The dudes just wanted to not be made to wear a shirt.  Proportionate responses are important to making the world actually function.  Throw a fit over that and you get the result we got...no shirts for anyone.  Who's happy now.

 

Dudes wanted to not wear a shirt that promotes inclusivity in sport. 

 

They believe their religions dictate that certain people aren't equal and should not be included in anything, sport or otherwise. That's ignorant bigotry hiding behind "religious freedoms". Don't try to dress it up. It is exactly what it looks like it is.

[Kevin Biestra]

1 minute ago, aGENT said:

Dudes wanted to not wear a shirt that promotes inclusivity in sport. 

 

They believe their religions dictate that certain people aren't equal and should not be included in anything, sport or otherwise. That's ignorant bigotry hiding behind "religious freedoms". Don't try to dress it up. It is exactly what it looks like it is.

 

I'm not interested in prosecuting thought crime.

[aGENT]

1 minute ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

I'm not interested in prosecuting thought crime.

Nobody is prosecuting anything.  People are just holding ignorant, bigoted actions accountable and voicing their displeasure with said actions.

 

 

[Kevin Biestra]

3 minutes ago, aGENT said:

Nobody is prosecuting anything.  People are just holding ignorant, bigoted actions accountable and voicing their displeasure with said actions.

 

Okay but like I said...that took us all from 19 out of 20 players wearing the pride jersey to zero out of twenty throughout the league.  Again...sometimes it's best to just accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Kevin Biestra

[aGENT]

3 minutes ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

Okay but like I said...that took us all from 19 out of 20 players wearing the pride jersey to zero out of twenty throughout the league.  Again...sometimes it's best to just accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

 

That wasn't victory, and this isn't over.

[Kevin Biestra]

1 minute ago, aGENT said:

That wasn't victory, and this isn't over.

 

[Maninthebox]

9 minutes ago, aGENT said:

 

That wasn't victory, and this isn't over.

 

This is why we can't have nice things.

[aGENT]

6 minutes ago, Maninthebox said:

 

This is why we can't have nice things.

Nice things like equality for everyone?

[Maninthebox]

Equality isn't at issue.

[StrayDog]

11 hours ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

You had meaningful change.  You had a pride night in pretty much every arena where almost every player was wearing a jersey.  Like the parable of the crow with the cheese, everybody had 19 pieces of cheese in their beak and squawked because they didn't have the 20th...and lost all the cheese.

 

Now there's no pride jerseys, no cancer jerseys, no First Nations jerseys, etc.  And it was all predictable from day one.

 

And now people are mad at a corporation for acting like a corporation.

 

Sometimes you just have to accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

You had meaningful change. Black people were allowed to get on the same bus as white folk, but they had to sit in the back even if there were open seats in the "white section". Then Rosa Parks happened and demanded that 20th piece of cheese. Because a 95% victory is sometimes not a real win.

[Bob Long]

11 hours ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

You had meaningful change.  You had a pride night in pretty much every arena where almost every player was wearing a jersey.  Like the parable of the crow with the cheese, everybody had 19 pieces of cheese in their beak and squawked because they didn't have the 20th...and lost all the cheese.

 

Now there's no pride jerseys, no cancer jerseys, no First Nations jerseys, etc.  And it was all predictable from day one.

 

And now people are mad at a corporation for acting like a corporation.

 

Sometimes you just have to accept a victory and not complain about winning.

 

 

So, what limits like that do you accept in your own life?

[Gurn]

NHL-  back that train up- things have changed

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/autos/news/national-hockey-league-lifts-ban-on-pride-tape-a-step-towards-lgbtq-inclusion/ar-AA1i5X3n?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=3d61801c25b34567af49a1c767f97275&ei=35

"n a significant development, the National Hockey League (NHL) has lifted its ban on the use of pride tape on hockey sticks, paving the way for players to freely show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. This decision, seen as a testament to the league’s commitment to inclusivity, comes after deliberations between NHL officials and advocates from the LGBTQ+ community.

The ban on pride tape was initially imposed in 2019, citing concerns that the colorful tape could create distractions on the ice. This move sparked controversy and was criticized by several figures within the league, including former NHL executive and LGBTQ+ advocate Patrick Burke. Burke, who is also the founder of the You Can Play Project, commented that the decision was a setback and a betrayal of the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Similarly, Bruins captain Brad Marchand expressed his disappointment, advocating for the players’ right to support causes they believe in without backlash

The lifting of the ban, however, seems to herald a new era of inclusivity in the NHL. The league has now acknowledged the importance of fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in professional hockey. The decision aligns with a broader trend in the sports world to promote equality and create safe spaces for all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Many players have welcomed the decision, expressing their excitement and intention to use the pride tape in upcoming games. The tape, which features the colors of the rainbow, has been widely embraced and celebrated by players and fans alike as a symbol of support and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

This reversal of the NHL’s stance sends a powerful message of acceptance, highlighting the growing recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in sports. It is hoped that this decision will inspire other sports organizations to take similar measures to support LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The lifting of the ban on pride tape represents a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity in sports. While the initial ban on pride tape was seen as a step backward, the NHL’s decision to reverse it indicates a positive shift in attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. This move not only strengthens the bond between the players and their fans but also sets a precedent for other sports organizations to follow.