Blog Post by Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, Director of Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs

On January 25, The Philadelphia Flyers hosted the first You Can Play Night of the season when they played against the Boston Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center.

You Can Play was created to ensure inclusion and safety for LGBT athletes, coaches and fans.

The project has partnered with all 30 NHL teams.  Many NHL players have volunteered to appear in public service announcements that broadcast on local sports networks and in arenas. One of the first players to appear in a PSA was our very own, Philadelphia Flyers Captain Claude Giroux.

During the game, I was honored as the “Flyers Community Teammate.” I was even given my very own Flyers jersey with my name on it! I am so proud to know that as we continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable City, our Flyers and the NHL have our back. It is a powerful message of inclusion to have an entire sports organization, like our Flyers, stand up and declare that they are an organization that supports lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender players, fans, and staff. I am incredibly grateful for the work of You Can Play and the Flyers, as well as my friends Anna Agnes and Nora Cothren for dedicating their work to ensuring that LGBT youth grow up knowing that no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, they can play, cheer, participate and grow in the sport they love.

The Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs is looking forward to further collaboration with You Can Play and all professional and collegiate sports teams throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. It’s an important way to increase LGBT inclusion and all around acceptance of players, coaches, staff and fans.

Are you a coach, player or fan who wants to get involved? Reach out to me on Twitter!

To learn more about You Can Play, check out their website.