Notably, "You Can Play" is an official partner of the National Hockey League, with Wade Davis serving as the former executive director of the organization.

Brendan served as a student manager for the Miami University RedHawks hockey team and gained significant recognition when he publicly came out as a gay man in 2009.

In the piece, Patrick talks about the overwhelmingly positive experience surrounding Brendan's coming out: "I waited to get a negative email, or to read a damning article, or to hear a snide comment at a game.

[11] The You Can Play Advisory Board includes Brian Burke, ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross, Miami University head hockey coach Enrico Blasi, Kraft Sports Group Vice President of Customer Marketing & Strategy Jessica Gelman, ESPN columnist LZ Granderson, Olympic soccer player Angela Hucles, Be The Change president and CEO Kevin Jennings, Andy Miele of the Grand Rapids Griffins/Detroit Red Wings, sports psychologist Dana Sinclair, AEG Vice President Kelly Staley, professional soccer player David Testo, Chicago Blackhawks forward Tommy Wingels, and Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts.

[12] In February 2013, the Advisory Board added transgender activist and baseball analyst Christina Kahrl and former NFL players Wade Davis and Esera Tuaolo.

[14] On August 20, 2013, Patrick Burke stepped aside as the main voice of You Can Play and named Wade Davis executive director of the organization.

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete's skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.

[25]You Can Play intends to release a playbook about casual homophobia as a resource for athletes and sports officials to help ensure safety for LGBT people in their communities.

'"[59] On April 11, 2013, the NHL and NHLPA announced an official partnership with You Can Play, including a commitment to educate prospects on LGBT issues and provide avenues for players to seek confidential counseling related to sexual orientation.

[27] In December 2016, Anders Nilsson began wearing a mask with a gay pride flag painted on the back as a sign that ice hockey welcomes diversity, drawing praise from Wade Davis for "taking a risk on multiple fronts and standing up for something that he believes in, knowing the backlash that could come his way.

"[49] On February 2, 2017, the NHL and its partners announced as part of Hockey is for Everyone month that each of its 30 member teams will have one player designated as a You Can Play ambassador.

This list includes: In March 2012, the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League became the first Major Junior team to contribute to the You Can Play project.

"We are proud to partner with You Can Play to ensure that all of our fans and players know that MLS is committed to providing a safe environment where everyone is treated equally, and with dignity and respect.

This partnership will encourage both LGBT athletes and their numerous straight allies to speak up for each other, without fear of recrimination from teammates, coaches, fans, or sponsors."

In April 2012, The Sports Network released a You Can Play video wherein James Duthie, Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Bob McKenzie promised to cover LGBT athletes without sensationalizing their sexual orientations.

[121] Akil Patterson, a former University of Maryland athlete and aspiring Olympian in Greco-Roman wrestling, contributed a video to the project, talking in detail about his struggles with addiction and his own sexuality.

[122] Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders received media attention in 2012 when, after a practice during Grey Cup week, he revealed to reporters that his mother was a lesbian.

His open admission of his mother's sexual orientation was part of a growing trend of acceptance of homosexuality and gave him "a seat at the head table of the You Can Play movement.

In July 2012, Cam Janssen of the New Jersey Devils appeared on an internet radio talk show, making several derogatory and threatening jokes involving women, gay-bashing, and his role on his team as an enforcer.

[130] On September 15, 2012, Yunel Escobar, then a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, played a game with a homophobic slur written in Spanish across his eye black.

[133] The 2014 Winter Olympics caused a stir given the controversial status of LGBT rights in Russia, the host country, that prevented gay propaganda from being spread, and threatened jail time and punishment for those who disobeyed the law.

Grantland was criticized after it ran an article revealing the transsexual background of a doctor without her consent,[135] which needed two follow up pieces from the editor-in-chief [136] as well as a contributor, who is also on the board of directors of GLAAD,[137] to explain why the story was run.

[138] The following day Shaw apologized to the gay and lesbian community saying "That's not the type of guy I am" and that "I have no excuses for ..." getting caught up in the heat of the competition.

[139] After being traded to the Montreal Canadiens during the off-season, Shaw volunteered to be the team's ambassador to You Can Play as "a leader in the locker room and in the community on diversity, equality and inclusion.