The NHL has been pretty fertile ground (compared to other sports) for people to take a stand for LGBT rights. Last year, Toronto GM Brian Burke marched in Toronto's Pride parade, in memory of his son Brandon who was a manager for Miami (OH) University's hockey team, who had come out as gay and been accepted by all of his teammates—but tragically died in a car crash only a few months later. And with the full blessing of the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawks, Hawks forward Brent Sopel took the Stanley Cup to Chicago's 2010 Pride parade.
Last month, New York Rangers pest Sean Avery made headlines by declaring his support for marriage equality—and the hostile reaction he received from a father-son agent team representing several NHL players received more negative reaction than positive. Even those who dislike Sean Avery—otherwise known as "every single fan of every NHL team except for the Rangers, and some Rangers fans too"—had to grudgingly admire his stance on equal marriage.
Well, now Avery's putting his money where his mouth is—and going to Albany to lobby for marriage equality as that state nears a crucial vote on the matter, one which might come down to flipping just one or two state senators.
Those familiar with Avery's style of play in the NHL might find this quote a bit hard to believe:
"I'm going to shore up a couple of votes, and do it as kindly and gently as I can."
Which means he's going to get in wavering state senators' faces, talk shit about their mothers, wives, or girlfriends, and spear them with his hockey stick when the ref isn't looking? (I kid, I kid.)
But seriously, folks, Avery's willingness to not only take a stand on LGBT equality but work for it in Albany is commendable.
"If you're on the fence, or you're a little bit nervous about being OK with it, that's fine. That's why I'm here to get that point across, and help as much as I can."
If the lobbying efforts of Sean Avery, who's still a rather popular player in New York for his efforts as a member of the Rangers, push a fence-sitter in the senate over to the equality side, that's a major feather in his cap.
And I might have to actually cheer for him, for a few seconds, next time the Rangers come to Washington.
But only for a few seconds. Then it's back to booing him.
But good on ya, Sean Avery. Let's hope that other NHL players—and players in other sports—follow his lead and take a stand for the rights of all people.
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