Athletes in all sports should feel welcome playing any sport regardless of their sexual orientation. Yet most LGBTQ youth still feel unwanted in team sports because they lack visible role models. This pride-inspired tape can help hockey communities change attitudes and promote diversity.
Kris Wells, director of the University of Alberta's Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services, created a Kickstarter campaign with Calder Bateman, an Edmonton-based communications firm, to fundraise for rainbow hockey tape as an ingenious way to discourage LGBTQ discrimination in sports.
Once Pride Tape gets manufactured and ready for distribution if it reaches its Kickstarter goal, the hockey world can start embracing the product as a "badge of support" for young LGBTQ athletes. Proceeds will support queer youth outreach initiatives, including the You Can Play Project. That means every roll of tape can make an impact on and off the ice.
And yes, it’s actually professional-grade tape you can use to play puck.
LGBT-Supporting Hockey Tape
This Pride Tape Shows Support On and Off the Ice for Athletes
Trend Themes
1. LGBTQ Support - Development of more products that support the LGBTQ community in sports can promote diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
2. Diversity Promotion - Promotion of diversity and inclusivity within team sports can lead to new marketing opportunities and engage a wider audience.
3. Crowdfunding Campaigns - Crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise awareness and funds for inclusive and socially responsible products in sports.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment - Manufacturers of sports equipment can expand their product line to include products that promote diversity and social responsibility within the industry.
2. Advertising and Communications - Advertising and communications companies can capitalize on the opportunity to promote inclusivity and diversity within sports through advertising campaigns.
3. Non-profit Organizations - Non-profit organizations can take advantage of initiatives that promote equality and inclusivity within team sports, such as Kris Wells' Pride Tape Kickstarter campaign.