Brock McGillis, a former professional hockey player and LGBTQ+ advocate, has recently written an essay on the intersection of Pride Month and sports. In his essay, he calls for action from athletes and fans alike to create a more inclusive and accepting environment in sports.

McGillis begins his essay by acknowledging the progress that has been made in recent years towards LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. He notes that more athletes are coming out publicly, and that many sports organizations have implemented policies to protect LGBTQ+ athletes from discrimination. However, he also points out that there is still a long way to go.

One of the main issues that McGillis addresses in his essay is the prevalence of homophobic language in sports. He notes that slurs like “fag” and “gay” are still commonly used on the field or in the locker room, even by athletes who may not be intentionally trying to be hurtful. McGillis argues that this language creates a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ athletes, and that it needs to be addressed by coaches, teammates, and fans.

Another issue that McGillis highlights is the lack of visible support for LGBTQ+ athletes from their teammates and fans. He notes that while many athletes may privately support their LGBTQ+ teammates, they may not feel comfortable expressing that support publicly. Similarly, fans may not feel comfortable showing their support for LGBTQ+ athletes at games or on social media. McGillis argues that this lack of visible support can make LGBTQ+ athletes feel isolated and unwelcome.

To address these issues, McGillis calls for action from both athletes and fans. He encourages athletes to speak out against homophobic language and to publicly support their LGBTQ+ teammates. He also encourages fans to show their support for LGBTQ+ athletes by attending Pride events and using social media to express their support.

Overall, Brock McGillis’ essay is an important call to action for anyone involved in sports. While progress has been made towards LGBTQ+ inclusion, there is still much work to be done. By speaking out against homophobic language and showing visible support for LGBTQ+ athletes, we can create a more inclusive and accepting environment in sports.