NHL donating Pride Tape to LGBTQ Seattle hockey event, months after banning said Pride Tape

The NHL continues its attempts to make good on a promise of LGBTQ inclusion, after league commissioner Gary Bettman gave a big green light for homophobia.

I’ve certainly made mistakes in my life. When you’re in the public eye, it’s going to happen. The question is how you respond to those mistakes.

So far, over the last six months, the NHL has been pitch-perfect.

“The folks we know, it’s obviously nice to see the change in pace and the reversal of the Pride Tape decision,” said Joey Gale, a co-founder of the Seattle event, sponsored by Symetra. “And we’re thrilled they’re helping tell our story.”

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Kim Davis, who heads up the NHL’s diversity and inclusion efforts, was effusive in a statement.

Related

NHL reverses Pride Tape ban, players can now ‘say gay’ on the ice, NHL confirms
The NHL did what it had to do, days ahead of the league’s first Pride Night of the season. Players can again use Pride Tape.

“Members of the LGBTQ+ community have made, and continue to make, enormous contributions to the
game of hockey,” Davis said. “Investing in the rapid growth of the SPHA, a space where the LGBTQ+ community can be authentic and feel welcome, is an important part of our commitment to inclusion on and off the ice, and ensuring our sport continues to thrive.”

There has been no more vocal critic of the NHL than I. I’ve called for the resignation of Commissioner Bettman and others. Last year was a massive setback for the LGBTQ community in hockey.

Still, it is important to recognize efforts to correct mistakes. That the NHL is sending Pride Tape to LGBTQ hockey events is an important step.

We hope the league sends Pride Tape to all of its teams and encourages warm-up usage of the tape amongst players.

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