In 2019, Joey Gale, a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ sports community, shared his experiences of being a gay man in the world of hockey. He recalled invaluable advice from a mentor at Drake University: "Regardless of how big or how small, do something every day to queer the space around you." This guiding principle has been a beacon for Gale throughout his journey.
Fast forward to January, during a Pride Night event at the Climate Pledge Arena, Gale, along with Steven Thompson, co-founder of the Seattle Pride Hockey Association, were lauded by the Seattle Kraken as "Heroes of the Deep." This recognition underscored their tireless advocacy for the LGBTQ+ hockey community, celebrated with pride on the arena’s Jumbotron.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in Hockey
"It meant a tremendous amount to bring some rainbows, bring some Pride, bring some representation into the arena," Gale expressed, reflecting on the significance of the evening.
The roots of Seattle Pride Hockey trace back to Gale and Thompson's ambition to harness the momentum from Seattle being awarded an NHL expansion franchise. Their vision was to form a community of LGBTQ+ hockey players and fans in the Emerald City who could connect with teams and businesses regionally and assert their presence as passionate supporters of the sport.
In a sport traditionally known for its physicality and machismo, Seattle Pride Hockey has been a champion for ensuring that LGBTQ+ players feel secure and accepted on the ice. Their efforts took flight with the inaugural Seattle Pride Classic in 2021, coinciding with the Kraken’s debut season. Initially featuring four teams, the Classic rapidly evolved into the largest Pride hockey tournament globally.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Stronger Community
Despite their success, Seattle Pride Hockey faced an unexpected challenge: an overwhelming number of allies eager to join the tournament, which risked excluding LGBTQ+ players. Gale and Thompson addressed this by establishing a registration period exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community before opening the event to allies.
The tournament not only fostered a sense of community but also served as a personal milestone for many participants. Gale recounted stories of players using the event to come out to family and friends, and poignant moments like a mother watching her transgender son play for the first time. "Those stories keep me motivated through the late nights of planning," Gale said.
The Impact of Partnership with the Seattle Kraken
The partnership with the Seattle Kraken has been pivotal from the outset. Even before adopting their current name, the team’s representatives reached out to Gale and Thompson to forge connections and offer support. This foundational relationship has persisted and grown stronger, demonstrating the Kraken's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In the face of adversity, such as the NHL's controversial decision to ban Pride jerseys and tape, the Kraken remained resolute allies. They quickly collaborated with Seattle Pride Hockey to find alternative ways to visibly support the LGBTQ+ community despite league restrictions.
These efforts have deepened the Kraken's bond with Seattle’s LGBTQ+ hockey fans and reinforced their status as genuine allies. "Seattleites have a keen eye for authenticity. The Kraken have consistently proven their dedication to making the team inclusive and welcoming," Gale noted.
Looking to the Future
As Seattle Pride Hockey continues to grow, they are focusing on long-term development. They’re set to host the inaugural Frozen Pride Classic outdoor tournament, expanding their reach and influence further.
Joey Gale reflects on the journey with optimism. "To see how much progress we’ve made is heartwarming, especially in today’s political landscape. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go," he remarked.
For those interested in keeping up with these inspiring stories and more, the Seattle Pride Hockey community remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of inclusivity in sports.
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