It was after 8 pm on January 16th when I got a message on Instagram from Courtney.
What you need to know about Courtney is her gift at connecting people.
She hosts a book club with her wife Pam. I’ve met so many great people there.
Before that, always invites from Courtney to go skating, play soccer, baseball? So many things.
I had met her many years ago when her ex and I worked together at The AIDS Committee of London. We didn’t know each other very well but appreciated each other’s vibes.
Knowing how good she is at bringing people together I was happy to amp up the posts for Queer Hockey London.
Before I knew it, all the people I knew in the community were talking about it. Even at my physiotherapist!
I was thrilled when the call went out for a game at the arena at Western Fair on Saturday March 7th. Admission was free with an option to support the Queer Food Bank run by PFLAG in London, Ontario.
I went with Michel and our eldest, Oli. We saw so many old friends. Those students on placement 15 years ago? Here with partners AND BABIES! So many wonderful people from babes in arms to seniors.
The audience was friends and family of players but also random community members just there for the fun.
People were handing out pride flags to waive. There was an inflated rainbow unicorn running around who was later joined by a dinosaur. There were pompoms! My roller derby friend Dawn was playing tunes.
Everyone cheered for each goal, regardless of team. Yay!!
There was a lot of social media coverage as well as radio and our local London Free Press
It was such a great night filled with queer joy, seeing old friends and making new ones, which is what sport and community is all about.
Want to keep up to date on how this league is taking off? Check them out on Instagram.
Maybe you don’t live in London, Ontario. Maybe you don’t yet have a Queer Hockey League in your area. Maybe you are the one to get it started?
I am so glad I live in the same city as Courtney and thrilled to be her friend. What a joyful gift!
