After announcing drag queen Karma K’s halftime show for Saturday’s game, the entertainer was the target of homophobic and transphobic comments, including on numerous social media platforms.
According to Tyler Wawryk, Saskatoon Entertainment Group’s director of business operations, those who spout such rhetoric are in the minority.
The group, which represents both the Rush and Saskatoon Blades, faced similar reactions at a community support event LGBTQ+a few months ago.
Ahead of our special Blades Pride game in November, we saw a lot of backlash online. When we opened the arena doors, there was no problem
says Tyler Wawryk.
Everyone who came supported us and we even had many new supporters come to enjoy the evening for the first time. So I am confident that we will have a similar event this Saturday.
he adds.
Tyler Wawryk points out that the organization began speaking more about Pride after a junior hockey player publicly came out as gay in 2021.
He also says Saskatchewan Rush players are unanimous in favor of wearing a Pride jersey during Saturday’s game.
” We wanted to show a strong image by walking onto the field wearing these jerseys and spreading a message of inclusion and equality. »
For his part, drag king and activist Blake Tait says he’s excited for the team to hold a Pride event.
It’s exciting that our local teams support drag queens and drag kings. They understand it’s for everyone and it’s just another form of entertainment
explains Blake Tait.
painful language
For the executive director of the Saskatchewan activist organization JusticeTrans, Cat Haines, there is an alarming increase in the frequency with which hate language is used by those who oppose transgender rights.
” We see a lot of people labeling trans women as predatory and perverted. »
Cat Haines believes the purpose of this language, which she describes as hurtful, is to keep trans people out of public life.
It’s hard for me and the community around me to understand the language people use about us when we’re just trying to live our lives.
With information from Laura Sciarpelletti
Thinker. Professional social media fanatic. Introvert. Web evangelist. Total pop culture fan.
