Brock McGillis. | Photo: Instagram
Former pro-hockey player Brock McGillis wants hockey players to know that it’s okay to come out and be gay.
McGillis played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), as well as professionally in the States and Europe. This was about 10 years ago.
When he was playing, he said his career suffered because he wasn’t out and it took a toll on him ’emotionally and physically’. So much so that he wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy.
‘It was a nightmare,’ he said in an interview with Edmonton News. ‘I was constantly depressed [and] I was suicidal.’
Incredibly moving speech by @brock_mcgillis – “We’re all weirdos, and that’s beautiful” ❤🧡💛💚💙 @thehockeyconf #HockeyConf2018 pic.twitter.com/rxIPDUWln4
— Alexandra Mountain (@ajrmountain) 6 July 2018
So he knew something had to change. He started dating men, but he didn’t tell anyone about it.
When he finally got the courage to come and embrace his true self, his confidence came back.
Since then, Brock McGillis spends his time being an advocate for change and wants hockey to be more inclusive.
Hockey becomes more inclusive
Canadian hockey player Jessica Platt plays for Toronto Furies and came out as transgender earlier this year.
In an Instagram post, she said: ‘After a lot of thought I would like to announce that I am transgender.
‘I am fortunate enough to be able to live my life as who I am meant to be as well as follow my passion and play the game I love.
‘With the support of my family, friends, the CHWL and the Toronto Furies I am able to live my dream while being true to myself. I hope that others will be as fortunate as I am, now and in the future.
‘I want people to know you don’t have to quit pursuing your dreams to be the person you were meant to be,’ she said.
Just a few months ago, Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson – who play leading gay characters – visited an ice hockey match at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
They had the honor of dropping the puck at the beginning of the match.
H/T: Edmonton News
