Hockey Player Brock McGillis: “I Lived A Life Of Denial, Because I Am Gay”

Hockey Player Brock McGillis: “I Lived A Life Of Denial, Because I Am Gay”

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For many years, Brock McGillis lived a lie — “a life of denial, because I am gay.”

Growing up in a culture of hockey, the former OHL, CIS and semi-professional hockey player felt there was no way his peers would ever accept his sexuality. 

Related: Hockey Star Sean Avery Confuses Straight Male Fans With Nude Photo Share

“Hockey,” he writes in a personal story for Yahoo! Sports, “has always been homophobic.”

I can’t count the amount of times I heard phrases like: That’s gay or what a homo in the dressing room over the course of my hockey career. Words like fag, p—y, and b—h are part of the daily banter. Those words are used to belittle players, to weaken and feminize them, because hockey is hyper-masculine, meant for the manliest of men.  

McGillis knew from a very young age that he was gay, and was fortunately part of an encouraging and open-minded family.

But his teammates were a different story.

Related: PHOTOS: Hockey Team Signs Ridiculously Fine Goalie, Perhaps To Distract Opponents?

Hyper-masculinity and hockey go hand-in-hand, so I had to lie to fit in with my teammates. I began dating as many girls as I could to avoid being exposed. I became a womanizer. In the OHL I had to have a girlfriend and she always had to be one everyone thought was attractive. It felt empty. I felt empty. I suppressed my sexuality to the point that I was angry at myself if I had sexual thoughts that weren’t heterosexual.

Fear of exposure led to increased depression and social anxiety. He trusted no one and felt empty inside. On the ice, he could forget his problems, but due to an increasing number of injuries, he was eventually forced to give up the sport.

When the injuries finally took their toll and my hockey career ended, it felt liberating. I could finally be free and experience life as a gay man without judgment from the hockey community. It didn’t last long….

For the last five years I have helped hundreds of players reach their goals – but I’ve done it with caution. I never divulged my sexuality to any of the athletes I’ve worked with and was always quick to shut down any homophobic language used in my presence. Eventually I noticed a change: when a player said something like, “That’s gay,” they would quickly apologize.

Although he’s experienced a fair share of backlash since coming out — and has even been blackballed from several teams — he doesn’t regret his decision.

Related: The Hockey Player Who Used to Say ‘Fag’ All the Time Wants Everyone Else to Stop

People – who were once considered friends – no longer speak to me. It has been challenging being one of the first out people in this hockey community, but that has made the reward even greater. Since coming out in my community, the rewards greatly outweigh the negativity. Being able to help players get to the OHL or NCAA and work with others to realize their dreams is incredible….

Cliches like “Boys being boys” and “Locker room talk” were never valid defences – this is why I’m telling my story. I’m telling my story to start a dialogue. If you are gay, lesbian or trans and playing hockey, know that you are not alone. Know that you are not the only one.

You can check out McGillis’ story — worth reading in its entirety — here.

www.queerty.com/hockey-player-brock-mcgillis-lived-life-denial-gay-20161112?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

When Leopard meets Zebra

When Leopard meets Zebra

Julie Bracken posted a photo:

When Leopard meets Zebra

The “lion and the lamb shall lay down together”.

Animal prints such as leopard and zebra remain a fashion statement that carries an air of sophistication, confidence, and fun.

Leopard Print Fashions (modelled by Kelayla)
Once considered a fashion faux pas, leopard print has risen to the level of fashionably chic. Some leopard designs definitely cross the line into tacky, but many leopard print fashions evoke a sense of sexy feminine power when worn correctly. The standard leopard look matches just about any skin tone and is suitable for women of every age. Implemented into stylish designs, leopard print gives women an air of confidence and sophistication. However, it is important to remember that it is possible to go too far with leopard.

Zebra Print Fashions (modelled by Julie)
Zebra prints are a great way to express creativity, youthfulness, and fun. If a woman feels particularly adventurous, a zebra dress or top creates an eye-catching look. If a zebra print dress makes too strong a statement, they can instead accessorize with zebra print scarves, belts, shoes, and more. Moderate use of zebra print is a great way to add a little pop without calling too much attention to an outfit. Zebra print comes in many more colors than simple black and white, and many women enjoy adding small pops of color with an animal twist.

Makeup and styling by the talented Kelayla of www.transvista.co.uk/

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When Leopard meets Zebra

トランプ氏勝利後、数え切れないほどのヘイトクライムが全米に広がる

トランプ氏勝利後、数え切れないほどのヘイトクライムが全米に広がる
ヘイトに立ち向かわなくてはならない。今すぐに。

もっと見る: 国際, ヘイト, ヘイトクライム, ヘイトスピーチ, ドナルド・トランプ, アメリカ大統領選, 人種差別, イスラム教, 黒人, Lgbt, Japan News

www.huffingtonpost.jp/2016/11/11/hate-since-trump-win_n_12921794.html