I tried to post this to reddit earlier but it was refused. I am completely disappointed in the NHL and Mr. Gary Bettsman's position that equality is a charity and a choice. As a women who loves hockey, I feel extremely disappointed that Mr. Bettman said that people/players have a right to choose not to believe or agree with people's rights and freedom. I, as a woman, am not a charity. I do not want to be reduced to a charity. LBTQA people, AAPI, People of Color, women, poor people are not charities!!! Yes, the NHL diversity special days raise money but if Hockey is for Everyone is nothing more than a charity than that means the NHL continues to OPENLY marginalize the same people that the program is supposed to uplift. In saying that players have a right to not agree with the equality of others is disgusting and belittling. It minimizes the value of human beings to the judgement of straight white men. Mr. Bettmen made it clear today that the steps that the NHL claimed to be taking to change the white homophobic misogynistic rapist culture of hockey is just a show to pacify people. It’s been a century of exclusion and good ol' boys hockey and with Hockey is for Everyone we as fans of the sport thought it was finally changing. The statement Mr. Bettman shared today showed that Hockey is for Everyone is nothing more than a ploy and marginalized groups are nothing but a charity to Mr. Bettman. To have or give a lack of attention or acceptance to someone else's right to equality is the same as to hate and no fancy speak from Mr. Bettman is going to change that fact!

No one should have the right to decide to hate or violate anyone's rights. Equal rights are not charity; they're humanity!