Arts & Entertainment
Gary Bettman says NHL ready for openly gay players
the league is creating an accepting environment for gay players
(Screenshot via YouTube)
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman believes the league is ready for an openly gay player.
Speaking with the Chicago Tribune, Bettman says the league is creating an accepting environment so closeted players could feel safe coming out. A specific effort includes removing homophobic language from the league.
“I believe certainly in the NHL a player who can help a team win because he can contribute on the ice is going to be coveted whatever his beliefs may be or whoever he may be,” Bettman told Chicago Tribune. “That goes to national origin, religious beliefs or sexuality. Our teams want to win. Secondly, what we have tried to instill across the league through ownership and management is that we stand for inclusiveness and to judge somebody on the merits.”
Major pro teams have not had many male players publicly come out. Jason Collins in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Michael Sam in the National Football League (NFL) and Robbie Rogers in Major League Soccer (MLS) have come out in their respective leagues. However, the NHL and the Major Baseball League have not had any players come out. Bettman told the Chicago Tribune he can’t pinpoint the reason.
“I think it’s very difficult to generalize as to why in a particular league or a particular industry somebody has or has not come out,” Bettman says. “We certainly don’t want a player to come out for our sake. It should be what’s right for him and something that he has to be comfortable with. But I think it’s our job to create a culture and an environment where a gay player knows he is safe and welcome. If and when that happens, believe me, that person will have the full support of the commissioner’s office.”
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Judy Shepard to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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