Civil rights group wants AG to address LGBTQ-related bullying in school hockey

"We are concerned that this rise is a backlash to the growing visibility and popularity of the television series Heated Rivalry - and the resulting attention, commentary, and social media discourse it has generated around gay hockey players."

"Public high school athletes have made an 'alarming' number of complaints in recent weeks regarding homophobic comments and conduct by hockey coaches and fellow players. These incidents included slurs, locker room intimidation, admonitions not to 'play like they are gay,' and references to having a 'd**k in their a**' while playing defense."

"LCR is also receiving reports that students who are gay - or perceived as gay - are being intentionally benched during games, denied meaningful playing time without legitimate athletic justification, and otherwise isolated from team events and bonding activities."

Lawyers for Civil Rights has documented a significant increase in bullying and harassment targeting LGBTQ students in Massachusetts school hockey programs. The organization attributes this rise to heightened visibility of gay hockey players, particularly following media coverage. Reported incidents include homophobic slurs, locker room intimidation, derogatory comments about playing style, and discriminatory coaching practices. Additionally, LGBTQ students face intentional benching, reduced playing time without athletic justification, and exclusion from team activities. The civil rights group has called on Attorney General Andrea Campbell to take immediate action to address identity-based bullying and harassment in school sports, emphasizing how locker room culture can intensify harm.

Read at Boston.com