First Openly Gay Professional Hockey Player Brock McGillis Says “Heated Rivalry” Won’t Help Gay NHL Players Come Out

Brock McGillis Pushes Back Against the Notion of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Aiding Gay NHL Players in Coming Out

Former professional hockey player and LGBTQ+ advocate Brock McGillis has expressed his disagreement with the idea that the popular show ‘Heated Rivalry’ could assist closeted NHL players in coming out. In a recent interview with PinkNews, McGillis, who is known as the first openly gay professional hockey player, stated that he believes the show may have a negative impact on players considering coming out.

McGillis, 42, shared his perspective, saying, “It’s probably more likely to have an adverse effect on a player coming out.” Despite his appreciation for the show, he cast doubt on its ability to positively influence the attitudes of many hockey players, particularly within the NHL.

The acclaimed series, inspired by Rachel Reid’s book series ‘Game Changers’, follows the story of two gay players in a fictional league resembling the NHL as they manage a clandestine relationship while being star players. Starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, ‘Heated Rivalry’ initially aired on the Canadian streaming platform Crave before being picked up by HBO Max, which commenced streaming on Nov. 28 and has since been renewed for a second season.

While former NHL player and current romance novelist Sean Avery expressed optimism that the show’s success could encourage gay NHL players to come out, McGillis offered a different perspective. Having come out in 2016 after retiring from professional hockey, McGillis believes that the deeply ingrained homophobia in the sport may hinder progress towards greater inclusivity.

McGillis highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the hockey world, noting that the culture of homophobia often begins at a young age and persists throughout a player’s career. Despite this, he acknowledged the potential for hockey players to rally around a teammate who decides to come out, citing the sport’s strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

In response to Avery’s remarks, McGillis emphasised that the process of coming out is personal and complex, and it is unlikely to be solely influenced by external factors such as a TV show’s success. He pointed out that the decision to come out is a deeply personal journey that each individual must navigate at their own pace, rather than being swayed by external circumstances.

Reflecting on his own experience, McGillis noted that when he came out in 2016, it did not prompt other NHL players to follow suit. He underscored the gradual nature of change within the sport, suggesting that true progress towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity in hockey will require a broader cultural shift and long-term commitment from all stakeholders.

Despite the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals may face in the hockey community, advocates like McGillis continue to push for greater acceptance and support for all players, regardless of their sexual orientation. By speaking out and sharing his story, McGillis aims to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment within the sport, where all players feel respected and valued for who they are.

In conclusion, the conversation sparked by ‘Heated Rivalry’ and similar initiatives underscores the ongoing need for progress in creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within professional sports. While the path towards acceptance may be challenging, individuals like Brock McGillis serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes striving to be their authentic selves on and off the field.