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The San Jose Sharks used their Twitter account to provide information and facts on LGBTQIA+ issues after goaltender James Reimer refused to wear a Gay Pride jersey in warmups on Saturday.
The Sharks posted a message before their game against the New York Islanders about how the team would use their social media account.
«During tonight’s game, instead of our normal gameplay content, we will be using this platform to deliver information and data on LGBTQIA+ issues,» the statement read. «Our hope is that this content serves as a reminder that there are more important things than goals, highlights and wins.
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San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer guards the net during a Jets game at the Canada Life Center on March 6, 2023 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
«Hockey is not for everyone until everyone is comfortable playing, working or being a fan of this amazing game.»
In their series of tweets, the Sharks spoke of a «third gender» in «other cultures.»
“Around the world, gender diversity is viewed much differently than in the western world or as they know it,” the Sharks tweeted. «Most of us are familiar with the labels male, female, and transgender. But in other cultures, the existence of the ‘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 were born male but identify as female and are attracted to men. The Nguii are those who they were born as men and are attracted to other men.
«The Ninauposkitzipxpe were honored as a third gender in the North Peigan tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy in northern Montana and southern Alberta, Canada.»
SHARKS GOALKEEPER CHOOSES NOT TO WEAR LGBTQ-THEMED WARM-UP JERSEY AT TEAM PRIDE NIGHT
The Sharks also tweeted statistics on violence against the LGBTQ community and statistics on suicide or suicide attempts in the LGBTQ youth community.
«Thank you all for an evening of celebration and reflection on our Pride community,» the team tweeted.
«We know that one organization can’t make all the changes we seek to make hockey (and the world) more welcoming to everyone, but it’s a start.
Sharks’ James Reimer skates during Nashville Predators pregame warmups at the SAP Center on February 23, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images)
«With all of you, we can have an impact.»
Reimer created a stir when he refused to wear the Gay Pride shirt, saying it went against his religious beliefs. He said he made the decision based on his Christian beliefs, adding that he «always strove to treat everyone with respect» and that members of the LGBTQ community should be welcome in hockey.
“In this specific case, I choose not to endorse something that goes against my personal convictions, which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in life,” Reimer said.
The You Can Play Project, which works to promote inclusion in sports, released a statement about Reimer’s decision.
San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer reacts after conceding a goal against the Islanders on Oct. 18, 2022, in Elmont, New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
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«Religion and respect are not in conflict with each other, 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 celebratory jersey, is not about an athlete’s personal sentiments, but about team communication that a community is welcome in the arena and sport.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.