For the third year, Braden Holtby and his wife Brandi are marching in the Capital Alliance’s Capital Pride Parade on Saturday June 8. Holtby will be on the Monumental Sports and Entertainment float with MSE staff members in support of the LGBTQ community. He has also served as the ambassador for the Capitals’ Hockey is for Everyone month (February), which is an NHL initiative that uses hockey to evoke positive social change, promote inclusion and attract a diverse fan base.
So, imagine my disappointment when I checked the comment section of the Washington Capitals Facebook post regarding Holtby’s involvement and saw, not just a few, but many disparaging, obscene comments about the Caps’ goaltender. While many fans were quick to defend Holtby, here are just a few of the senseless comments:
“…Figured he would march. His 5 hole was huge this season.”
“…I always thought he was a fruitcake.”
“…Who gives a piss.”
“…Well, he does seem to let a few through the 5 hole, soooo…”
“…He couldn’t visit the president, but he has time for this bs…who cares.”
“…Because he sucked in the playoffs.”
These are from folks who follow the Caps and are more than likely fans of the team. I applaud the Holtby family and the folks at MSE for participating in a cause that supports an individual’s right to live their life with authenticity rather than harboring the fear of being maligned for expressing their true self. And, to all of the shallow, fair-weather Caps’ fans that feel so good about themselves that they found it necessary to post those disgusting comments, I want to remind you that hockey is for everyone. The only thing hockey doesn’t need is you.
From the Caps:
The annual Capital Pride Parade draws 150,000 spectators, travels 1.5 miles through segments of the city important to the LGBT community, and this year will include more than 200 contingents. The celebration is produced by the Capital Pride Alliance, a nonprofit entity incorporated in the District of Columbia with the purpose of supporting, celebrating and inspiring our diverse communities with the annual Capital Pride events and related activities throughout the year. For more information on the Capital Pride Parade and the complete schedule of events during the 2019 Capital Pride Celebration Weekend, visit CapitalPride.org.
WHAT: Participating in Capital Pride Alliance’s Pride Parade in support of the LGBT community
WHEN: Saturday, June 8
4:30 p.m. – Parade Begins
WHERE: 21st & P – Parade Begins
14th & R Street – Parade Concludes
(1.5 miles)
