You Can Play

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.org

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).[1] 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.

Background

Brendan Burke in 2007

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.[2] 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."[3] Brendan died in a car crash on February 5, 2010. He was 21 years old.[4]

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.[5] 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." [6] The quote was adapted to the catchier "If you can play, you can play" by the campaign.

You Can Play had its genesis in early 2011 at an event at the University of Denver, at which Glenn Witman had asked Patrick to be a guest speaker. Witman also invited Brian, and their casual conversations led to the eventual founding and launch of You Can Play.[7]

Launch

On March 4, 2012, the You Can Play Project released a video called "The Faceoff".[8] In it, Patrick Burke and Brian Burke introduced the You Can Play Project, stating that their aim is to "carry on [Brendan's] legacy, and ensure that LGBT athletes around the world are afforded equal opportunity; judged only by their talent, character, and work ethic in their sport." The video features appearances from prominent NHL players Rick Nash, Duncan Keith, Claude Giroux, Matt Moulson, Daniel Alfredsson, Corey Perry, Henrik Lundqvist, and other popular NHL players. The video was uploaded to YouTube and aired during a Bruins-Rangers game.[9] It was produced by HBO and aired originally by NBC.[10] "The Faceoff" won the 2012 GLAAD Amplifier Award.[11]

Organization

The You Can Play Advisory Board includes Brian Burke, ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross, Miami University head hockey coach Enrico Blasi, Kraft Sports Group Vice President of Customer Marketing & Strategy Jessica Gelman, ESPN columnist LZ Granderson, Olympic soccer player Angela Hucles, Be The Change president and CEO Kevin Jennings, Andy Miele of the Grand Rapids Griffins/Detroit Red Wings, sports psychologist Dana Sinclair, AEG Vice President Kelly Staley, professional soccer player David Testo, San Jose Sharks forward Tommy Wingels, and Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts.[12] In February 2013, the Advisory Board added transgender activist and baseball analyst Christina Kahrl and former NFL players Wade Davis and Esera Tuaolo.[13] Miele and Wingels were the founding donors of You Can Play.[14]

On August 20, 2013, Patrick Burke stepped aside as the main voice of You Can Play and named Wade Davis executive director of the organization.[15] Burke will remain in a less public role.[16]

Goals

You Can Play aims to rid professional sports of "casual homophobia" in the locker room.[17] Their approach emphasizes education rather than punishment or blame.[18]

The You Can Play mission statement reads as follows:

"You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.

You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit."[19]

Patrick Burke has been quoted as saying, “The end goal of our project is that we’re completely useless. We want the day to come when it’s not a story when an athlete comes out, when athletes are only judged by how they can help their teams win.” [20] In March 2012, Burke stated that he believed the NHL would see a current player come out within the next two years.[21]

The You Can Play website promotes an initiative called the "Captain's Challenge," encouraging team captains from various sports, no matter the level of competition, to sign a form in support of You Can Play and its message. The challenge reads:

"As a team captain, I pledge to respect the talents and work of all my teammates. I will encourage my teammates to speak up for each other when confronted with slurs of any sort in the locker room or on the playing field. And I'll start discussions that promote the acceptance of all of my teammates in order to build trust and a winning ethic."[22]

You Can Play intends to release a playbook about casual homophobia as a resource for athletes and sports officials to help ensure safety for LGBT people in their communities.[23]

Supporters

NHL

The following NHL players and personnel have publicly endorsed You Can Play and/or acceptance of gay players in professional hockey:

Brian Burke appeared on TVOntario in July 2012 to talk about You Can Play. In response to a question about whether the NHL is ready to accept gay players, he said, "Before we started, we went to the NHL and said, 'Does this have your support?' and Gary Bettman was like, 'Absolutely.' He knew Brendan, and he was like, 'Absolutely, that day can't come soon enough.'"[49] On April 11, 2013, the NHL and NHLPA announced an official partnership with You Can Play, including a commitment to educate prospects on LGBT issues and provide avenues for players to seek confidential counseling related to sexual orientation.[50]

Landeskog's support in January 2014 made history because it meant that each National Hockey League team had at least one player supporting The You Can Play Project.[24]

AHL and the You Can Play Pledge

Several American Hockey League teams have created videos for You Can Play and/or taken the You Can Play Pledge, a pledge to support the campaign's principles signed by the entire organization. These teams include:

Post-Secondary Institutions

A number of colleges and universities from across North America and Canada have contributed videos to the campaign. This list includes:

Other leagues

In March 2012, the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League became the first Major Junior team to contribute to the You Can Play project.[99]

On October 12, 2012, You Can Play published a video from DC United of Major League Soccer. This was the campaign's first public service announcement from a professional sports league outside of the NHL, as well as the first outside of hockey.[100] Two months later Toronto FC became the second MLS team, and the first Canadian soccer team, to support You Can Play.[101] The following year, in 2013, Major League Soccer and the Major League Soccer Players Union partnered with You Can Play. "The diversity found in our league has always been a point of pride for us," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "We are proud to partner with You Can Play to ensure that all of our fans and players know that MLS is committed to providing a safe environment where everyone is treated equally, and with dignity and respect."[102]

On December 20, 2012, You Can Play announced an official partnership with the Canadian Women's Hockey League. In a statement, Patrick Burke said, “LGBT female athletes face a different set of problems than male athletes, but those problems are no less serious. This partnership will encourage both LGBT athletes and their numerous straight allies to speak up for each other, without fear of recrimination from teammates, coaches, fans, or sponsors." The CWHL is the first league to partner with You Can Play.[103]

In February 2013 the Colorado Mammoth became the first National Lacrosse League team to support You Can Play.[104] Later that year the Denver Outlaws joined the Mammoth in becoming the second NLL team to support the project.[105]

In March 2013 the San Francisco Bulls of the ECHL became the first team in that league to partner with the You Can Play project.[106]

In June 2013 Seattle Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League published a video in support of the project, becoming "the first professional women's team in the United States to speak on behalf of You Can Play." [107]

The Denver Nuggets became the first National Basketball Association team to partner with You Can Play in January 2014. One of the three Nuggets players who appeared in the video, Kenneth Faried, was already "a vocal supporter of equality" before joining the You Can Play project.[108]

Other supporters

In April 2012, The Sports Network released a You Can Play video wherein James Duthie, Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Bob McKenzie promised to cover LGBT athletes without sensationalizing their sexual orientations.[109]

Akil Patterson, a former University of Maryland athlete and aspiring Olympian in Greco-Roman Wrestling, contributed a video to the project, talking in detail about his struggles with addiction and his own sexuality.[110]

Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders received a lot of media attention in 2012 when, after a practice during Grey Cup week, he revealed to reporters that his mother was a lesbian. His open admission of his mother's sexual orientation was part of a growing trend of acceptance of homosexuality and gave him "a seat at the head table of the You Can Play movement."[111] Then, in late 2013, Cornish released his own very brief video of support for the project, in which he said he "is proud to support LGBT athletes everywhere."[112]

The band Fun joined the list of celebrity supporters when its video was published in November 2013.[113] Each member of the band discussed his respective aspirations to be an athlete if he was not in the music industry, and stressed the fact that together the group "make[s] music for everyone."[114]

Rapper Macklemore of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis added a video to the project, in which he talked about the need to be welcoming to everyone and that homophobic language has no place in sports or music. The duo's song Same Love was about the subject of homosexuality and gay rights, and was a big success on charts around the world.[115]

In December 2014, the You Can Play foundation and Egale Canada partnered with the Canadian Olympic Committee in a new program to combat homophobia in sports within the Olympic committee's mandate.[116]

Challenges

Since You Can Play has gained widespread support and recognition by North American professional leagues, they have been called to comment on challenging instances of homophobia involving professional athletes.

Cam Janssen

In July 2012, Cam Janssen of the New Jersey Devils appeared on an internet radio talk show, making several derogatory and threatening jokes involving women, gay-bashing, and his role on his team as an enforcer.[117] After speaking with Patrick Burke, Janssen apologized for his comments and expressed his support for You Can Play, and the campaign released a statement saying they believe Janssen's apology to be sincere.[118]

Yunel Escobar

On September 15, 2012, Yunel Escobar, then a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, played a game with a homophobic slur written in Spanish across his eye black. In response, the Blue Jays suspended their player for three games.[119] Twelve days later, Yunel sat down with Patrick Burke and LGBT athlete Jose Estevez to discuss the incident. Patrick Burke left the meeting feeling confident in the interaction between Yunel and Jose. He is quoted as saying: "I thought the meeting was very productive. Yunel seemed genuinely interested in what Jose had to say, and appeared to really take it to heart. I think Jose did a tremendous job of making Yunel fully grasp the implications behind his actions."[120]

Chris Culliver

Just prior to the 2013 Super Bowl, Chris Culliver of the San Francisco 49ers responded as follows to an interview question about whether he had any gay teammates: "We don't have any gay guys on the team... They gotta get up outta here if they do. Can't be with that sweet stuff." You Can Play, GLAAD, and Athlete Ally released a joint statement condemning these views. Culliver subsequently apologized and pledged to grow from the experience.[121]

Sochi Olympics

The 2014 Winter Olympics caused a stir given the controversial status of LGBT rights in Russia, the host country, that prevented gay propaganda from being spread, and threatened jail time and punishment for those who disobeyed the law. You Can Play sought out many options aimed at protesting the Games, but none were viable options because of the fine line "between advocating" for the LGBT community, "and exploiting" it.[122] Instead they worked with groups who would not only be able to do work during the Olympics, but continue to do work once the Games finished. Another decision You Can Play made was to partner with Grantland, which wasn't without controversy. Grantland was criticized after it ran an article revealing the transsexual background of a doctor without her consent,[123] which needed two follow up pieces from the editor-in-chief [124] as well as a contributor, who is also on the board of directors of GLAAD,[125] to explain why the story was run. After discussing both internally and with supporters, however, You Can Play made the decision to remain partnered with Grantland for the duration of the Olympic Games. You Can Play's role was to provide the link between the sports perspective in the stories and the LGBT community's perspective.[122]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Founders". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  2. ↑ "ESPN Article". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  3. ↑ "TSN Brian and Brendan". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  4. ↑ Stickgold, Emma (February 8, 2010). "Brendan Burke, 21; raised awareness by coming out as young, gay athlete". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. ↑ Allen, Kevin (March 4, 2012). "Anti-homophobia ad carries on Burke's legacy". USA Today. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ↑ Burke, Patrick. "Never forgotten: Patrick Burke remembers his pioneering brother, Brendan". outsports.com. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ↑ "Why We Exist". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  8. ↑ "You Can Play – The Faceoff". 6/12/2012.
  9. ↑ Klein, Jeff Z.; Hackel, Stu (March 4, 2012). "Taking a Stand to Change Locker Room Culture". The New York Times. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ↑ Malone, Scott (March 4, 2012). "Pro hockey players aim to combat homophobia with ad campaign". Reuters. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ↑ "GLAAD Award". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Staff and Board". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ↑ "Davis, Kahrl and Tuaolo Join You Can Play Advisory Board". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  14. ↑ Kurz, Kevin. "Wingels supporting Burke family's 'You Can Play' project". Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  15. ↑ "Wade Davis, Out Gay Former NFL Player, Will Lead Group Promoting LGBT Equality In Sports". BuzzFeed. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  16. ↑ Burke, Patrick. "Tweet". Twitter. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  17. ↑ Friesen, Paul. "NHLers target homophobia". The Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ↑ Yerdon, Joe. "Patrick Burke speaks about players lending support to You Can Play Project for gay athletes". Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  19. ↑ "Mission Statement". You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ↑ Steinberg, Dan (March 5, 2012). "NHL stars will promote 'You Can Play' movement". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ↑ Spector, Jesse. "The necessary next step for You Can Play: A gay NHL player in 'about two years'". Sporting News. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ↑ "Captain's Challenge". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  23. ↑ Kimelman, Adam. "Patrick Burke gets support for "You Can Play" project". NHL.com. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.8 24.9 24.10 24.11 24.12 "The NHL makes LGBT history". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Masisak, Corey. "USA players, Burke speak against Russian law". NHL.com. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Tweet". @YouCanPlayTeam. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 27.7 27.8 27.9 "Van Riemsdyk, Parros, Greene, and more". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Dustin Brown, Alec Martinez". You Can Play Project. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 "Brent Burns, Logan Couture, TJ Galiardi, Douglas Murray". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 "Dustin Byfuglien, Tanner Glass, Ryan Kesler". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Steven Stamkos, Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Zdeno Chara, Jason Pominville, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  33. ↑ "Cal Clutterbuck, Minnesota Wild". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Jordan Eberle – Edmonton Oilers, Brian Elliott – St. Louis Blues". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  35. ↑ "Andrew Ference". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Mooney, Harrison. "Canucks’ Manny Malhotra, Jason Garrison, mascot Fin march in Vancouver Pride parade". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 "Brian Gionta, Brenden Morrow, Ben Smith". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5 38.6 38.7 38.8 "You Can Play: The Faceoff". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  39. ↑ "Matt Hendricks". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  40. ↑ Sportak, Randy. "Olympic NHLers stand up against anti-gay law in Russia". The Calgary Sun. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  41. ↑ "Ryan Jones". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  42. ↑ "Gabriel Landeskog". Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Shea Weber, Carey Price, Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  45. ↑ "Bay Area All-Stars". You Can Play. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Ryan Whitney". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  47. ↑ "Tommy Wingels, San Jose Sharks". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  48. ↑ "W. Brett Wilson". You Can Play Project. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  49. ↑ "Brian Burke: Homophobia and Hockey". The Agenda with Steve Paikin. Retrieved 7/5/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  50. ↑ "NHL and NHLPA Announce Partnership with You Can Play". You Can Play Project. Retrieved 4/11/2013. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  51. ↑ "You Can Play Pledge – Bridgeport Sound Tigers". YouTube. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  52. ↑ "Charlotte Checkers". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  53. ↑ "You Can Play – Hamilton Bulldogs". YouTube. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  54. ↑ "Manchester Monarchs". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  55. ↑ "Peoria Rivermen". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  56. ↑ "Portland Pirates". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  57. ↑ "Providence Bruins". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Rochester Americans". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 5/10/2013. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  59. ↑ "Toronto Marlies". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  60. ↑ "America East ADs". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  61. ↑ "Amherst College". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  62. ↑ "Bates College". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  63. ↑ "Bowdoin College". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  64. ↑ "Brown University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  65. ↑ "Bryant University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  66. ↑ "Colorado College – Women's Soccer". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  67. ↑ "Colorado College – Men's Basketball". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  68. ↑ "Connecticut College". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  69. ↑ "Cornell University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  70. ↑ "Dartmouth College". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  71. ↑ "Duke University". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  72. ↑ "Georgetown University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  73. ↑ "George Washington University". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  74. ↑ "Grand Valley State University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  75. ↑ "Louisiana State University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  76. ↑ "Memorial University of Newfoundland". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  77. ↑ "Miami University". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  78. ↑ "Northeastern University". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  79. ↑ "The Ohio State University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  80. ↑ "Portland State University Campus Rec". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  81. ↑ "Princeton". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  82. ↑ "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  83. ↑ "Ryerson University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  84. ↑ "St. Thomas University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  85. ↑ "Stanford University". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  86. ↑ "UCLA". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  87. ↑ "University at Buffalo hockey". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  88. ↑ "You Can Play teams with University of Alberta for anti-homophobia work". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  89. ↑ "University of California, Berkeley". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  90. ↑ "University of Cincinnati". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  91. ↑ "UConn". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  92. ↑ "University of Denver". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  93. ↑ "University of Missouri". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  94. ↑ "University of New Brunswick". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  95. ↑ "University of Notre Dame". Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  96. ↑ "University of Ottawa". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  97. ↑ "University of Vermont". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  98. ↑ "Wheaton College". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  99. ↑ "Soo Greyhounds". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  100. ↑ "DC United". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  101. ↑ "Toronto FC". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  102. ↑ "Major League Soccer and MLS Players Union announce You Can Play partnership". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  103. ↑ "CWHL Becomes First League to Partner with You Can Play". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  104. ↑ "Colorado Mammoth". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  105. ↑ "Denver Outlaws". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  106. ↑ http://sfbulls.com/news/bulls-host-lgbtq-night-at-the-cow-palace-on-march-23/
  107. ↑ "Seattle Reign FC". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  108. ↑ "Denver Nuggets, East High School". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  109. ↑ "TSN Broadcasters". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  110. ↑ "Akil Patterson". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  111. ↑ "CFL's Outstanding Canadian Jon Cornish has nothing to hand his head about". National Post. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  112. ↑ "You Can Play - Jon Cornish". YouTube. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  113. ↑ "You Can Play - FUN.". YouTube. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  114. ↑ "FUN.". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  115. ↑ "Macklemore and Ryan Lewis". Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  116. ↑ "Canadian Olympic Committee partners with leading LGBTQ organizations to promote equality in sport". The Globe and Mail, December 2, 2014.
  117. ↑ Hughes, Travis. "Cam Janssen Makes Gay Joke, Calls Kings 'Fat Broads You Regret Bangin". SB Nation. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  118. ↑ "Statement Regarding Cam Janssen". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  119. ↑ "suspension". CBC News. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  120. ↑ "Yunel Escobar and YCP". Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  121. ↑ "You Can Play Issues Joint Statement on 49ers’ Chris Culliver Anti-Gay Comments". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  122. ↑ 122.0 122.1 "You Can Play and Grantland look at Sochi Olympics from unique perspective". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  123. ↑ "Dr. V's magical putter". Grantland. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  124. ↑ "The Dr. V story: A letter from the editor". Grantland. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  125. ↑ "What Grantland got wrong". Grantland. Retrieved February 22, 2014.

External links