“Some kids stop playing the game they love, just because they’re gay. Let’s show every player they’re welcome on the ice.”
So says Andrew Ference, defenceman and alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers, in the promo clip on Pride Tape’s kickstarter page.
The importance of positive role models for children cannot be understated. While excelling at your craft takes hard work and commitment, it could have been Kobe or Serena or Sydney who got you into that sport in the first place.
But what do you do when you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and there’s no one to look up to in your field? Do you just stop playing?
According to Pride Tape, that’s exactly what happens to too many young LGBTQ players who don’t feel welcome playing their sport. So how are they helping to promote inclusivity? Enter the multicoloured roll of hockey tape.
#PrideTape pic.twitter.com/zpIceBLt6V
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 24, 2016
The Edmonton Oilers became the first official NHL team to use the tape during their annual Skills Competition at Rexall Place on Sunday.
On completion of their target, Pride Tape will produce an initial run of 10,000 rolls of tape plus stickers, attempt to get it into the hands of players, and set up their website to continue selling.
Not only that, the tape will support LGBTQ outreach programmes like You Can Play and the institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services.
Dr Chrisopher Wells, one of the partners leading the campaign and Faculty Director with the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta, said on their website that he was thrilled to be partnering with the Oilers.
“When Pride Tape is funded and produced, we believe it will have the power to change attitudes in the sports world,” added Wells. “It will help ensure that every young LGBTQ person feels welcome in sports – as players, spectators, and fans.”
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, which focuses on education and health for youth, made a donation to become a founding partner of Pride Tape.
Andrew Ference added: “Many view professional hockey players as role models and our team felt this was a great initiative to let every person know they’re welcome in the game of hockey,” said Ference. “We’re all proud to play for a team and city that supports diversity and human rights.”
Eventually they hope to sell the tape to other sports and not just hockey.
They’ve already exceeded their goal of $54,000 but you still have until February 3 to back the project.
We’re glad that everyone is on the same team with this one.
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