CULTURE
NIGHTS
Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the immense contributions the Black community has made within Canadian culture. It is also a moment to reflect on the various barriers that continue to hinder Black progress. Our Celebrating Black Excellence game is an opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies to use our platform as a conduit for promoting and celebrating Black culture, creativity, and representation while continuing our commitment to breaking down barriers.
Tonight's game will feature our team wearing Pride Game shirts designed by artist Jon Hanlan. Jon Hanlan, @jonhanlan, is a Canadian illustrator originally from Lakeshore, Ontario. He utilizes colourful palettes and organic shapes to create whimsical and uplifting artworks. Creating a vibrant world that feels optimistic and refreshing. He is inspired often by the Mediterranean, old cartoons and wandering around cities, nature and thrift stores. His work has reached billions of views on GIPHY via social media, as well as being used in a variety of editorial publications, poster prints, advertisement campaigns and colouring books.
NHL Pride apparel available for fans to purchase in store and online at Real Sports Apparel with 20% of net proceeds being donated to Toronto Gay Hockey Association, a not-for-profit organization that facilitates a non-contact league for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, and heterosexual people over 19.
Pride Night Food Specials including Craigs Cookies at Section 110, and Norm & Lenore chocolate in various spaces.
Talent performances highlighting talent from the 2SLGBTQ+ community such as Vision Drag: Celebrity Impressionist Drag Queen.
Tonight's game will feature our team wearing Pride Game shirts designed by artist Jon Hanlan. Jon Hanlan, @jonhanlan, is a Canadian illustrator originally from Lakeshore, Ontario. He utilizes colourful palettes and organic shapes to create whimsical and uplifting artworks. Creating a vibrant world that feels optimistic and refreshing. He is inspired often by the Mediterranean, old cartoons and wandering around cities, nature and thrift stores. His work has reached billions of views on GIPHY via social media, as well as being used in a variety of editorial publications, poster prints, advertisement campaigns and colouring books.
Community groups such as Pride Toronto, The 519 and Toronto Public Service Network are invited to experience the game.
Pride Toronto: Pride Toronto supports 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the pursuit of their unequivocal rights to be known, be heard, be understood, be accepted, be respected, and celebrate the beauty of who they are.
The 519: The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space, and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding, and respect.
Toronto Public Service Network: City of Toronto group focused on promoting diversity, and inclusion in the workplace for 2SLGBTQ+ members through education and events.
Sports are more than just a game and in their nature bring people together over a common good. We want to foster an environment that respects all individuals of diverse sexual and gender identities to create a safe space for individuals to be their authentic selves.
GLOSSARY
Pronouns: Pronouns are used to refer to someone in a way that accurately reflects their identity. (She. Her. Hers. He. Him. His. They. Them. Theirs)
Lesbian: An identity for women who are attracted to other women.
Gay: An identity for people who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to members of their same gender.
Bisexual: An identity for people who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity.
Transgender: A term that describes people whose gender identity is different from their sex assigned at birth.
Queer: A term that makes space for the expression of identities and orientations outside of rigid categories associated with sex, gender or attraction.
Cisgender: Refers to someone whose gender identity is the same as the sex assigned to them at birth.
2SLGBTQ+: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, + is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities who use additional terminologies.
PROGRESSIVE PRIDE FLAG
Red = Life
Orange = Healing
Yellow = Sunlight
Green = Nature
Blue = Serenity
Purple = Spirit
Black& Brown = Represent Queer People of Colour
White, Pink & Baby Blue = Represent Transgender and Non Binary Individuals
In these pieces for MLSE, the artist anchored the artwork in Pan-African colors (red, green, and black) to speak to all members of the Black Diaspora. The central beaming figure and gold and purple accents represent the dignified and joyous spirit of the Black community as well. As a whole this artwork focuses on bright, uplifting imagery to celebrate Canada’s Black community, and their contributions to the league.