03-27-2024, 03:36 PMbluesfan55 Wrote: i think that question serves a purpose if handled correctly. making it a yes or no thing is, honestly, pretty black and white (which can be good and bad), and while i disagree with people who'd say no to that question, i also think there needs to be an education part in that regard. like if that's a user you really want but they answer no, if you explain the reasoning behind it to them and they get it, that's a good thing; if they don't, just don't draft them in the first place.  if they don't want to hear an explanation as to why a pride night for a literal SIMULATION league should exist, they're not for you. but if they disagree and are willing to hear why, just talk to them about it. we need more education in this regard and not public yapping about how both sides are wrong here. the question shouldn't just be used to ostracize people who disagree with you, both publicly and privately, because you just don't get anywhere and it makes both them AND you look bad.

As you rightfully point out, this is a SIMULATION league…it’s not a EDUCATION league. You, me, and everyone else here opened up a browser to get to this site. If you want education, there’s plenty of resources that are free and accessible- it shouldn’t be on the people directly impacted by bigotry and intolerance to educate bigoted and intolerant people and risk creating an unhealthy locker room? 

If responding “yes” to “would your fictional hockey player wear a fictional pride jersey” is so far in opposition to the views of those pushing for this question to be removed, why do you want to join LGBTQ+ safe communities, many of which are moderated and/or largely influenced by LGBTQ+ people and culture?

And honestly, there’s a million ways to say no to that question without coming off as anti-LGBTQ+; some may come across as unaware and in need of more information but overall supportive, some may be legitimate ways to approach the question without saying yes. 

• There’s many causes I support and want to raise awareness to, but only so many games in a season. Instead of just wearing a jersey one game, I’ll ensure my actions and words create a safe environment 365 days a year for my teammates and their loved ones.
  
• I’d rather my team use the budget spent on jerseys to truly amplify the voices of people in the LGBTQ+ community, and donate those funds to charitable groups doing important work.
  
• As a straight man, the rainbow flag isn’t my flag. That flag is a symbol of oppression I have never faced, and I don’t believe it is mine to claim/reclaim. I’ll be supportive of my LGBTQ+ friends and teammates, I’ll donate my cheque from the game to a charity to show my support, and I’d love to let my sister who is part of the community join in the warmup skate to amplify a voice that can speak from the heart on this issue.
  
• As you know, many hockey players are superstitious, myself included. I don’t even like wearing 3rd jerseys. I’d prefer not to wear the jersey, but I’d happily show up to the game wearing a rainbow suit.
  

There’s lots of ways to show you won’t be a nuisance in the locker room without having to say yes. You can still show support while saying “no”. The issue isn’t “you can’t say no”, the issue is “you can’t get away with being a bigot.”