Frustrations Over Incomplete Pride Efforts in UK Pro Hockey

With a touch of classic British self-deprecation, Zach Sullivan describes himself as "strongly opinionated." Yet, with his background and experiences, this professional hockey player has every right to speak his mind. Since 2020, Sullivan has been the sole out LGBTQ player on the ice in British professional hockey.

Sullivan made headlines when he publicly came out as bisexual just before his team, the Manchester Storm, participated in a Pride Week game five years ago. His revelation brought significant attention to his story and to the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Despite the attention, Sullivan has never sought the limelight. However, as the league's recent Pride Week came to a close, he feels it's essential to seize the moment and address the current state of LGBTQ representation in the sport.

Beyond Tokenistic Gestures

"If we're not careful, Pride Week risks becoming merely tokenistic," Sullivan cautions. His concerns are expressed with careful consideration, acknowledging efforts like the league's partnership with the LGBTQ helpline Switchboard, whose logo was prominently featured on officials' jerseys and social media.

Sullivan warmly welcomes these developments and appreciates the initiatives that teams have undertaken to support local LGBTQ charities and community groups. However, he believes that more effort is needed. Despite the progress since fans first pushed for Pride visibility in the league, Sullivan feels that some teams still fall short in their inclusion efforts.

"Last season, I decided to sit back and observe," he recalls. "My thoughts were public then—I found it overwhelmingly disappointing. The focus seems to be on wearing colorful jerseys, but it's more than that. What are you actually supporting? For instance, an LGBTQ youth group in your city. That's something simple to do."

The Real Work Needed

Sullivan praises Luke Fisher, the Elite League's media and communications manager, for his tireless work in promoting Pride. Yet, he stresses that the responsibility must extend beyond individuals to the teams themselves:

"Luke works incredibly hard to ensure Pride is successful each season. But after the week ends, I worry that the effort is forgotten until the next year. For all his hard work, I feel not enough coverage is given to what teams need to do with LGBTQ charities."

He highlights positive collaborations like those between the Belfast Giants and Northern Ireland's Cara Friend, the Storm's partnership with Manchester Pride, and Coventry Blaze's support for CRASAC, which provides services to LGBTQ survivors of abuse.

Conversely, Sullivan notes some teams in the ten-team EIHL either avoid stating their support for local LGBTQ groups or do not specify which organizations they support. "I find it quite baffling," he says. "Having the Pride flag on jerseys should be the bare minimum."

More Than Just a Game

Inspired by the work of Brock McGillis in Canada, a former hockey pro advocating for LGBTQ inclusion, Sullivan has exchanged ideas with him about expanding these efforts further. "Brock's concept is compelling: Pride in sports is like having a parade before you've actually won the championship. Can we celebrate progress that hasn't truly been achieved yet?"

At home, Sullivan engages with his teammates and LGBTQ fans to make a difference. "My teammates ask me why we're doing this," he explains. "I tell them it's to show inclusivity to LGBTQ people, and they understand."

Sullivan emphasizes that his team, particularly the owner Ryan Finnerty, whom he fondly refers to as "my hockey dad," has been wonderfully supportive. "Players are generally respectful and polite," he notes.

Commitment and Responsibility

Because Sullivan is so passionate about supporting young people who might see themselves in his story, he insists that Pride efforts must not be half-hearted. Despite the personal toll advocacy work has taken on him over the years, he remains committed to using his platform positively.

"Certain teams excel; others do the bare minimum. Until all teams understand that this transcends hockey and impacts real lives, more work is needed," he says.

Sullivan, one of the very few out LGBTQ players in men's professional hockey worldwide, feels a duty to continue his advocacy. "The incentive is simple: loyalty. Clubs that genuinely welcome LGBTQ fans year-round, not just during Pride Week, will earn their most devoted supporters."

"That's how LGBTQ people generally respond. Once we're invited and feel welcome, we commit wholeheartedly."