You Can Play defends Provorov’s decision in since-deleted Tweet
The You Can Play Project has found itself in hot water after defending the actions of Ivan Provorov on Thursday afternoon, stating on Twitter, “There is also room (and must be) for those who do not wish to participate as an ally,” in a since-deleted tweet.
The controversy started when the Philadephia Flyers defenseman decided against taking the ice for the team’s warmup before their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 17. Given that it was the Flyers’ Pride Night in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, special warmup jerseys were to be worn, which Provorov refused, citing his Russian Orthodox beliefs.
Provorov was still dressed and playing, and logged a record 22:45 minutes on the ice, much to the dismay and surprise of hockey fans and activists around the world.
Provorov declared after the game that he respected everyone’s choice. “I choose to remain true to myself, my religion. That’s all that I have to say.
You Can Play’s main goal is to “ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans.” It was founded in 2012 when 21-year-old hockey player Brendan Burke—son of Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke—passed away in a car accident. Since 2013, the project has been working with the National Hockey League.
Despite the controversial tweet, You Can Play’s tone was very different immediately following the Flyers’ game, as the ordeal drew attention away from what was otherwise a successful evening.
“This wasn’t just about a player and a jersey on a patch of ice,” said the group’s Chief Operating Officer Kurt Weaver. “Visibility and proximity is what breeds understanding and inclusion, and those things were negatively impacted by this.”
Because discrimination and prejudice are still a part of everyday life, allieship is essential for the LGBTQ+ community. Not presenting oneself as an ally is—at the very least—is a show of indifference to the treatment that so many queer and trans athletes are forced to endure on a constant basis.
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