| You Can Play | |
|---|---|
| Formation | March 4, 2012; 18 months ago |
| Type | Activism |
| Purpose/focus | Eradication of Homophobia in sports |
| Key people | Patrick Burke
Wade Davis Brian Kitts Glenn Witman Brian Burke |
| Website | youcanplayproject.org |
You Can Play is a social activism campaign dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in sports, centered around the slogan, "If you can play, you can play." The campaign was launched on March 4, 2012, by its three co-founders: Patrick Burke (a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers and son of former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke), Brian Kitts, and Glenn Witman (both of GForce Sports).[1] The campaign was precipitated by the death of Brendan Burke, son of Brian and brother of Patrick. You Can Play is an official partner of the National Hockey League. The current executive director of the organization is Wade Davis.
Launch[]
On March 4, 2012, the You Can Play Project released a video called "The Faceoff".[8] In it, Patrick Burke and Brian Burke introduced the You Can Play Project, stating that their aim is to "carry on [Brendan's] legacy, and ensure that LGBT athletes around the world are afforded equal opportunity; judged only by their talent, character, and work ethic in their sport." The video features appearances from prominent NHL players Rick Nash, Duncan Keith, Claude Giroux, Matt Moulson, Daniel Alfredsson, Corey Perry, Henrik Lundqvist, and other popular NHL players. The video was uploaded to YouTube and aired during a Bruins-Rangers game.[9] It was produced by HBO and aired originally by NBC.[10] "The Faceoff" won the 2012 GLAAD Amplifier Award.[11]
Supporters[]
NHL[]
The following NHL players and personnel have publicly endorsed You Can Play and/or acceptance of gay players in professional hockey:
- David Backes[24]
- Patrice Bergeron[25]
- Brian Boyle[26]
- Tyler Bozak[26]
- Dustin Brown[27]
- Dustin Byfuglien[28]
- Ryan Callahan[24]
- Brian Campbell[29]
- Zdeno Chára[30]
- Cal Clutterbuck[31]
- Sidney Crosby[25]
- Jordan Eberle[32]
- Brian Elliott[32]
- Mark Fayne[26]
- Andrew Ference[33]
- Jason Garrison[34]
- Claude Giroux[35]
- Tanner Glass[28]
- Andy Greene[26]
- Scott Hartnell[35]
- Matt Hendricks[36]
- Braden Holtby[37]
- Ryan Jones[38]
- Duncan Keith[35]
- Ryan Kesler[28]
- Henrik Lundqvist[35]
- Joffrey Lupul[35]
- Manny Malhotra[34]
- Alec Martinez[27]
- Matt Moulson[35]
- Rick Nash[35]
- Frans Nielsen[26]
- Brooks Orpik[39]
- Zach Parise[24]
- George Parros[26]
- Corey Perry[35]
- Dion Phaneuf[35]
- Jason Pominville[30]
- Carey Price[40]
- Brandon Prust[26]
- Steven Stamkos[29]
- David Steckel[26]
- Ryan Suter[24]
- Joe Thornton[41]
- Jonathan Toews[25]
- RJ Umberger[26]
- James Van Riemsdyk[26]
- Shea Weber[40]
- Ryan Whitney[42]
- Tommy Wingels[43]
- W. Brett Wilson (Predators owner)[44]
- Keith Yandle[24]