Winnipeg Jets Celebrate Fifth Pride Night

The Winnipeg Jets celebrate their fifth Pride Night April 5 - a game that celebrates authenticity and the love of hockey and works to show that all are welcome in the game. Players will wear specialty warmup jerseys with the team's Pride logo - this year incorporating the colours of the "Progress Pride" flag, which is more inclusive of the trans community and 2SLGBTQ+ people of colour.
"As part of the larger
Hockey is for Everyone
initiative and alongside
the You Can Play Project
, the Jets' Pride Night aims to show that all are welcome in hockey and any teammate, coach, or fan who brings passion to the rink should be supported and respected," said Christina Litz, Winnipeg Jets Chief Brand & Commercial Officer.
"Hockey plays a lifelong role for many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. When 2SLGBTQ+ youth see the Jets are on their side, it sends a strong message that they are included," said Ashley Smith, Director of Advocacy for Rainbow Resource Centre, also noting the meaning for older queer adults. "2SLGBTQ+ older adults have been supporting the Jets the whole way; it's important that they see the Jets are supporting us too."

Following the game, the Pride jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit Rainbow Resource Centre, Canada's longest serving 2SLGBTQ+ resource centre (celebrating 50 years this year), and the You Can Play Project, adding to a five-year partnership that has supported Manitoba's 2SLGBTQ+ community.
One of Rainbow Resource Centre's programs focuses on Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) across Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, working with schools to make safer spaces for queer youth and allies. Initiated in 2013, the program has evolved from after-school social support groups to greater collaborations with schools and organizations that advocate for youth, and more robust education, and workshops in business and industry. Tackling the issue of inclusivity in sports is a big part of the GSA's next-phase efforts. Sports leaders and coaches would benefit from training on how they can better include 2SLGBTQ+ athletes and create that safe space within the locker room.
The Jets Pride jersey auction will run June 1 to 11 during Pride month at
auctions.nhl.com
. See the jerseys in action April 5 at Canada Life Centre when the Jets take on the Calgary Flames. The game will also feature the Rainbow Harmony Project singing the Canadian anthem.
Jets fans will have opportunities to learn more about the services and resources of four different organizations on the concourse at Pride Night, including Rainbow Resource Centre, a Winnipeg organization nurturing inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities to thrive; the You Can Play Project, which works to ensure safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans; Pride Winnipeg, which runs the annual Pride Winnipeg Festival consisting of an array of cultural events to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community and; The Other Skaters zine, a local self-published booklet of photos and stories focusing on skateboarders who are 2SLGBTQ+. Additional information on each can be found at
RainbowResourceCentre.org
,
YouCanPlayProject.org
,
PrideWinnipeg.com
, and by searching @theotherskaters on Instagram.