Brock McGillis is trying to combat hockey’s homophobic culture, one locker room at a time
A post shared by Brock McGillis (@brockmcgillis33)Brock McGillis is trying to combat hockey’s homophobic culture, one locker room at a time.The former college and semi-pro player recently launched his “Culture Shift Tour,” during which he will meet with 100 minor league hockey teams in 100 days in all of the NHL’s Canadian cities.
Using his own story, McGillis, who feared retribution as a gay player, shares the damaging effects of homophobic language and taunts.
A 2022 Hockey Canada study found the most penalized language in the sport was about sexual orientation or gender identity. “I think the message is for athletes,” he said. “Having them recognize their influence in society and how they impact things positively or negatively.
I hope that really hits home with them.”A post shared by Brock McGillis (@brockmcgillis33)A post shared by Brock McGillis (@brockmcgillis33)McGillis says he fell into advocacy work after publicly coming out in 2016.
