It is okay to exist as you are and just celebrate everything you are and be authentic in that. 🫶 🌈
Many of you may have read the story of a homophobic reply to a post on the San Jose Sharks Twitter page. The reply was in response to the unveiling last month of a new logo from artist Melissa Marzan. The story was connected the NHL team’s annual Pride Night. The LGBTQ community, and especially members of the hockey community, did not stay silent.
In the replies to the troll, there were many who pushed back, including posting an image of Stanley Cup Champion Sidney Crosby wearing a Progress jersey from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Pride game last March. Many other images were shared of other players and teams supporting Pride Events. The most effective reply may have been simply the word 'Really' from hockey player Tom Garneau.
Garneau, a player and Vice-President with Vancouver’s Cutting Edges, an LGBTQ hockey association. replied with a photo of himself kissing husband Damien Verhagen. The shot was taken on the ice after Garneau's game during the Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament.
The images of the married couple went viral, with, both Garneau and Vergagen have become social media superstars. So popular as influencers, they are now getting many sponsors including LVW, a brand of Dutch undies both posed in for a post.
The story had a personal connection for me, having grown up playing hockey, and in hockey locker rooms. I remember the word 'faggot' being thrown around often, not just about someone they thought was gay, but someone they thought was weak. I remember mostly sitting silently during these times. I remember speaking up few times, defending the guy being made fun of. Looking back though, not strongly enough. I was too scared at the time the focus would then turn to, and on me.
I could never imagined a few decades later that queer hockey players would not just be out, but be celebrated. Now it doesn't hurt that Garneau and Vergagen are both incredibly hot, but that's just fine with me. Representation matters, and with representation, especially during times like now, when LGBTQ rights are under attack, visuals are important. Regardless of who they sleep with, hot hockey players always grab attention, they certainly grabbed me.
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