The Fort Frances Lakers and Borderland Pride are set for their first-ever Pride night.
Bills as Lakers Night Out, it was born out of the NHL’s decision to ban Pride-theme jerseys.
Co-chair of Borderland Pride, Doug Judson, says while it shows support for the area’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, it is also about promoting diversity and inclusion in sport.
“Part of the benefit of living in a community like this needs to be that you can take part of that regardless in that, regardless of who you are, that is there for you and your family and your kids, regardless of who you are, how you identify what your family looks like,” says Judson.
“We want to send a message that here in Fort Frances, in our district, this type of recreation and this sporting community is open to everyone to participate.”
A drag show will happen after the hockey game.
Judson says it was the team that approached them about the idea.
“I think it’s very obvious to those who are watching right now that the drag community is also under threat. So, we thought there is an opportunity here to bring these things together and show our support, show the support of the hockey community for diversity and inclusion and 2SLGBTQ people, but also to give people maybe their first exposure to some representations of diverse gender expression and gender identity.”
Drag performers will also be a part of the pre-game festivities.
Mz. Molly Poppinz, a performer from Thunder Bay, will sing the national anthem with a “unicorn honour guard.”
Other drag artists will join members of the Fort Frances High School Genders & Sexualities Alliance and Borderland Pride for a ceremonial puck drop.
Mini Pride flags will be available at the door for a donation.
There will also be giveaways during the game.
The drag show takes place at the Memorial Sports Centre’s auditorium, with the doors open at 9 p.m.
It is an all-ages show, but those under the drinking age will be given bracelets to wear to control beverage services.
“It’s shaping up to be a really great night to celebrate inclusion in sport. I know we’ve seen a lot of great leadership in this way from the local hockey community, so we’re pretty excited to see everything coming together so nicely, and yeah, it should be a lot of fun.”
