You Can Play
 |
|
| Formation | March 4, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activism |
| Purpose | Eradication of homophobia in sports |
|
Key people
|
Patrick Burke Wade Davis Brian Kitts Glenn Witman Brian Burke |
| Website | youcanplayproject |
You Can Play is a social activism campaign dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in sports, centered on the slogan, "If you can play, you can play." The campaign was launched on March 4, 2012, by its three co-founders: Patrick Burke (a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers and son of former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke), Brian Kitts, and Glenn Witman (both of GForce Sports). The campaign was precipitated by the death of Brendan Burke, son of Brian and brother of Patrick. You Can Play is an official partner of the National Hockey League. The current executive director of the organization is Wade Davis.
Prior to his death, Brendan Burke was known for his efforts to combat homophobia in hockey. Brendan, a student manager for the Miami University RedHawks hockey team, came out publicly in 2009 as an openly gay man through an article written for ESPN.com by John Buccigross. Brendan appeared with father Brian on the Canadian channel TSN during an intermission of a nationally televised hockey game to discuss his sexuality and his father's acceptance. Brendan said, "I think it's important my story is told to people because there are a lot of gay athletes out there and gay people working in pro sports that deserve to know there are safe environments where people are supportive regardless of your sexual orientation." Brendan died in a car crash on February 5, 2010. He was 21 years old.
Brian and Patrick continued to combat homophobia in the NHL after Brendan's death; Patrick, along with Brian Kitts and Glenn Witman, founded You Can Play as a tribute to his brother. The name You Can Play originates from a piece Patrick Burke wrote for outsports.com. In the piece, Patrick talks about the overwhelmingly positive experience surrounding Brendan's coming out: "I waited to get a negative email, or to read a damning article, or to hear a snide comment at a game. I waited, and I waited, and I waited…and I got what I should have expected the entire time: love, support, and admiration." He talks of letters and emails that poured in to his family, and he also talks of fellow scouts and hockey personnel pulling him aside and giving their support. He summarizes his feelings in the revelation that across the hockey world, what matters is whether or not you can play. "If you can play, we welcome you." The quote was adapted to the catchier "If you can play, you can play" by the campaign.
...
Wikipedia