FEATURE: Pride Night Creates Role Models

Anya and Madison Packer have chosen to live a very open and forward life as a same-sex married couple. Neither of them recall having role-models they could relate to growing up, so both understand first hand why that transparency is so important.

"When we watch our Devils step out on the ice with rainbow tape or a rainbow jersey it lets our fans and youth know that this is a safe space, you can come into this community and be loved," added Anya, former NWHL player and GM of the Metropolitan Riveters.
Anya and Madison are both Ambassadors for You Can Play, one of the beneficiaries of Devils' Pride Night. You Can Play is an organization that focuses on education and involving the LGBTQ+ community in sport.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what you are, where you come from, it's just about playing together and that's a message that's important to instill at an early age," added Madison. "Regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, it doesn't matter if you can play the sport - if you can play, you can play."
Both women agree that Pride Night is beneficial for everyone in the stands, and on the ice - whether you identify in the LGBTQ+ community or not.

"You don't have to be part of the community to support it or be an ally," said Madison. "It's equally important and I think that's a piece that some people often miss."
Anya explained further that true allyship doesn't mean you have to "be the right person or say the right thing all the time" - being an ally is about learning, asking for clarity, and being that support system for someone.
"That means sticking up for a friend or classmate in school that might be getting picked on, or being able to have conversations with people that might be challenging, it's about] knowing that you got someone's back."
Anya and Madison are both very involved in the community with You Can Play and were often seen at the NYC Pride Parade, pre-pandemic. Though being an 'open-book' can be hard as people can be "hurtful", especially behind a screen, they know "it's making a huge difference for others".
"You can definitely change lives by being a bit more open," exclaimed Madison. "The Devils are a good example of how to do it the right way, and I know they've provided a lot of resources and comfort for people who weren't comfortable at other rinks."
Pride Night is April 11, 2021. For more information on how you can participate, visit
[newjerseydevils.com/pridenight
.