THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The reversal follows the league's much criticized announcement earlier this month banning individual players from expressing visible support for Pride and other social causes. On Saturday, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the policy and used the tape on the ice. Arizona will host the NHL's first Pride Night of the season this Friday, October 27. See twitter.com/JessicaW_Tweets/status/1715743675454812485 and www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38720616/arizona-coyotes-travis-dermott-uses-pride-tape-nhl-ban .

GLAAD's President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her), issued the following statement in response to the news:

"The NHL has listened to its loyal fans, hardworking team players, and trusted community members and made the decision to reverse the unnecessary and hurtful policy that banned support of Pride and LGBTQ people. The NHL has been a longtime supporter of a number of community causes and inclusion, and this decision is reflective of its values which align with the majority of those who follow hockey. GLAAD data shows that Americans widely seek out brands and employers who take a stand in support of LGBTQ rights; and 70% of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that companies should publicly support and include the LGBTQ community through their corporate practices. Allowing players to express themselves while participating in this sport means encouraging individual choice and free expression, including actions that show support and make hockey more welcoming to all." glaad.org/publications/accelerating-acceptance-2023/ .

A recent Morning Consult study shows support for sports leagues hosting Pride Nights and nights focused on inclusivity, especially among young people. Almost half of U.S. adults (47%) said they support leagues hosting Pride Nights. Three in five Millennials (60%) and 57% of Gen Z respondents said the same. See pro.morningconsult.com/instant-intel/nhl-pride-nights-survey-data .

A separate study shows that younger fans, including Millennials and Gen Z, care about sports leagues' impact on social justice, yet only 15% of Gen Z believes the sport industry as a whole is doing enough to support social justice. See goknit.com/2022-report-youth-sports-culture/ .

About GLAAD:

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.