CFL, You Can Play team up to promote LGBTQ inclusion

It was just this past weekend where a gay nightclub in Orlando was targeted in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. Many rallied behind the LGBTQ community, and Thursday, the CFL also showed how fostering a relationship with a social activism campaign promotes inclusivity in sports.

It’s a meeting of two very different worlds, with one very same message. Inclusion.

The CFL is continuing its partnership with You Can Play, a social activism campaign that supports LGBTQ inclusion in sport.

“My late brother Brandon was openly gay,” explains Patrick Burke, Co-founder of You can Play. “We tried to carry on his legacy, which is that sports need to be inclusive and safe space for LGBT fans, coaches and athletes.”

“It’s all part of being community based and using a platform as influential as sport to talk about equality, acceptance, and a safe space,” CFL Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge said.

The Mayor, who once served as Chairman and Commissioner of the CFL, says social movements like this one can create a culture of change in the locker room, and eventually spill out everywhere else.

“If you looked at LGBTQ people, there really hasn’t been much inclusiveness, even up until now,” the Mayor said. “That’s why You Can Play is so important.”

The organization will also launch a line of apparel promoting LGBTQ inclusion in the games. The money raised will go towards supporting You Can Play initiatives.

“As one of the CFL guys said today, you can literally wear your pride on your sleeve,” Burke said.

The CFL and You Can Play will be marching in Toronto’s Pride Parade on July 3d.