Women’s Hockey Embraces LGBTQ+ Community, Contrasting NHL Approach
A growing divergence in inclusivity is becoming increasingly apparent between professional women’s hockey and the National Hockey League, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. While the NHL has faced recent challenges with players declining to participate in Pride night celebrations, women’s leagues are actively embracing and celebrating the community, creating a markedly more welcoming atmosphere for queer athletes and fans.
The shift in approach is noticeable in several key areas. In women’s leagues, like the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF), Pride nights aren’t simply symbolic gestures. Players routinely wear Pride jerseys throughout the entirety of the game, not just during warmups. Teams are also actively partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations, featuring prominent figures from the community in ceremonial events – including drag artists dropping the puck – and offering Pride-themed merchandise designed by queer artists.
This stands in stark contrast to the NHL, where a growing number of players have opted out of wearing rainbow jerseys or participating in warmups, citing “individual choices.” Some teams have even bowed to external pressures and scaled back their Pride night celebrations altogether. This has led to a feeling among some queer hockey fans that their escapism is increasingly mirroring the political landscape, rather than offering a respite from it.
The difference in atmosphere appears to stem, in part, from the greater visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes within women’s hockey. Players like Madison Packer and Carly Jackson of the PHF are openly embracing their identities and using their platforms to advocate for inclusivity. At the PHF, we believe in inclusivity and acceptance of all people, at all times, and you are always welcome in our arenas,
the PHF stated in a 2023 message. This outspokenness and representation create a more natural and authentic environment for LGBTQ+ fans and players.
The recent debut of the television series Heated Rivalry, a queer hockey romance, further highlights this evolving cultural landscape. The show features Harrison Browne, the first openly transgender professional hockey player, in a prominent role. Browne, who played in the NWHL with the Buffalo Beauts before retiring to begin hormone therapy, now brings visibility to important conversations surrounding masculinity and acceptance within men’s hockey. He emphasizes the need to question masculinity and toxic masculinity
and to accept people for the diversity that they bring.
The impact extends beyond the professional ranks. LGBTQ+ representation in women’s sports, including collegiate hockey, is also gaining momentum. Local teams, such as the Dalhousie University women’s hockey team, are actively demonstrating their support through initiatives like using Pride tape on their sticks. This support is particularly significant in light of the NHL’s 2023 decision to ban players from using Pride tape or altered equipment, a move widely criticized by players, former executives like Brian Burke (founder of the “You Can Play” project), and LGBTQ+ fans and athletes alike.
The NHL’s ban followed instances of players receiving negative media attention for refusing to wear Pride-themed jerseys, citing religious or personal reasons. Luke Prokop, a Nashville Predators prospect and openly gay man, expressed his disappointment, stating, As someone who aspires to play on an NHL team one day, I would want to enter the locker room knowing I can share all parts of my identity with my teammates.
This sentiment underscores the potential impact of such decisions on LGBTQ+ athletes and their sense of belonging within the sport.
The contrast between the NHL and women’s hockey isn’t simply about visibility. it’s about creating a culture of genuine acceptance. While the NHL grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, women’s hockey appears to be leaning into inclusivity, fostering an environment where LGBTQ+ athletes and fans feel valued and celebrated. This difference is attracting fans and players alike, and is positioning women’s hockey as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion within the broader hockey world.
The success of Heated Rivalry is a testament to the growing appetite for LGBTQ+ representation in hockey. The show’s popularity demonstrates a desire for stories that reflect the diversity of the sport and its fanbase. As Browne suggests, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and embracing inclusivity can lead to better performance and healthier lifestyles
both on and off the ice.
The situation highlights a broader trend within sports, where women’s leagues are often more progressive in their approach to social issues. The willingness of women’s hockey to embrace the LGBTQ+ community not only provides a safe and welcoming space for athletes and fans, but also sets a positive example for other sports leagues to follow. The question now is whether the NHL will adapt and prioritize inclusivity, or continue to lag behind its female counterparts.
