The Ohio State University men’s hockey team has released a video in support the “You Can Play” equality project, which endeavors to foster equality, respect and safety for all athletes, regardless of sexual orientation.
Watch:
The “You Can Play” project was inspired by Brendan Burke, the 21-year-old son of Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke.
Brendan Burke, an athlete and student manager at Miami University for the RedHawks men’s ice hockey team, made international headlines for coming out in November 2009. He was viewed as a pioneer in advocacy against homophobia in hockey, described as “the closest person to the NHL ever to come out publicly and say that he is gay.”
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Brendan Burke was killed in a automobile accident on February 5, 2010.
Brendan’s brother, Patrick, helped found “You Can Play” in the month after his brother’s death, in part because he felt his brother had spoken out courageously about his own sexual orientation in an environment that hasn’t traditionally welcomed such talk.
For more on the You Can Play Project, and to see videos created by other organizations, click here.
