Sharks Use Twitter Account to Share LGBTQIA+ Information, Including “Gender Diversity”
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
the San Jose Sharks They used their Twitter account to provide information and facts about LGBTQIA+ topics after goaltender James Reimer refused to wear a Pride jersey in Saturday’s warm-up.
Sharks posted a message before their game vs New York Islanders on how the team uses their social media account.
“During tonight’s game, in place of normal game content, we will be using this platform to provide information and facts on LGBTQIA+ topics,” the statement read. We hope this content serves as a reminder that there are more important issues than goals, highlights, and gains.
Click here for more sports coverage on FOXNEWS.COM
Goaltender James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks guards the net during the Jets game at Canada Live Center on March 6, 2023 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Jonathan Kosopp/NHLI via Getty Images)
“Hockey is not for everyone until everyone feels comfortable playing, working, or being a fan of this great game.”
In their series of tweets, the Shark family talked about a “third gender” in “other cultures.”
“All over the world, gender diversity is seen very differently than in the western world or as you may know it,” the Shark family tweeted. “Most of us are familiar with the signs of male, female, and transgender. But in other cultures, having a ‘third gender’ or even fourth and fifth genders is common:
The muxe gender is a respected third gender in the Zapotec cultures of Oaxaca, Mexico, that has been around for centuries. Gunaa are those who are born as men but are women and are attracted to men. Nguii are those who are born as men and are attracted to other men.
“Ninauposkitzipxpe is honored as a third race in the North Peigan tribe of the Blackfoot Confederation of northern Montana and southern Alberta, Canada.”
The Sharks goalie chooses not to wear an LGBTQ-themed scramble jersey for the team’s pride night
The Sharks also tweeted statistics about violence against the LGBTQ community and statistics about suicide or suicide attempts in the LGBTQ youth community.
“Thank you all for a night of celebration and thinking of our Pride community,” the team tweeted
“We know one organization can’t make all the changes we’re seeking to make hockey (and the world) more welcoming for everyone, but it’s a start.
James Raymer of the Sharks skates during warmups before a Nashville Predators game at the SAP Center on February 3. 23, 2023, in San Jose, California. (Cavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images)
“With all of you, we can make an impact.”
Reimer created a stir When he refused to wear a Pride shirt, saying it contradicted his religious beliefs. He said he made the decision based on his Christian beliefs, adding that he “always strived to treat everyone with respect” and that members of the LGBTQ community should be welcomed to hockey.
“In this specific case, I am choosing not to endorse something that goes against my personal convictions, which are based on the Bible, which is the highest authority on life,” Reimer said.
The You Can Play Project, which works to promote inclusivity in sports, released a statement regarding Reimer’s decision.
San Jose Sharks guard James Reimer reacts after he misses a goal against the Islanders, October. 18, 2022, in Elmont, New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
Click here for the FOX NEWS app
“Religion and respect are not mutually exclusive, and we are certainly disappointed when religion is used as a reason not to support our community,” the organization said. “Wearing pride jerseys, like any ceremonial jersey, is not about the personal feelings of the athlete; it is the communication from the team that the community is welcome in the arena and the sport.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
