Luke Prokop’s courageous decision needs to be a catalyst for meaningful cultural change in the game beyond Pride nights and rainbow tape
Calgary Hitmen player Luke Prokop skates during WHL game action against the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Calgary on April 24, 2021.Advocates say a young hockey player’s decision to come out as gay this past week, just as he is on the cusp of a possible National Hockey League career, needs to be a catalyst for meaningful cultural change in the game beyond Pride nights and rainbow tape.
He has worked on inclusion with individual teams at high levels, but said he has been stymied in bringing in leaguewide changes.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Carl Nassib came out last month as the first openly gay player in the National Football League.Kristopher Wells, an advocate and researcher, says it’s critical to have LGBTQ role models in sport. Mr. Wells said true change starts with a supportive group in the locker room or a captain telling a teammate that homophobic slurs won’t be tolerated.“Why Luke’s decision is seen as being so courageous is not just because he’s the first, but [because] all LGBTQ people know the moment you become visible [when] you come out, you’re more likely to be victimized. You become a target. And that’s not easy to deal with.
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