04-14-2021, 05:46 PM
As I reflect on my time representing Canada Red in the World Junior Championship, I feel disheartened. Not because the tournament was disappointing from a results perspective (it was). But because I am not able to truly represent what I am. Let's rewind a bit...
I came into this world as a wide-eyed naive reptile. I was born in what I identify as Turtle Island. Yes, this is North America's real name and I'm tired of pretending it's not. We are living in a human-centric world, and it is time for me and my reptilian brothers to fight back. Humans have divided the world into random sections and force those who happen to have hatched out of their eggs to represent their interests. Well, I ask you fellow SHLers: Where is my Canada Red passport? Where is my ability to vote? How many Reptiles do you see running for Government in Canada Red? If this idea seems absurd to you, then I suggest that I shouldn't be forced to represent a country that doesn't represent me.
As I glance around the Canada Red locker room, I see massage therapists, but I don't see shell-scrubbers. I see showers, but I don't see a heat lamp to help me regulate my body temperature. This lack of support for different bodied athletes sends me to flashbacks of high school days... Bullies would stuff my locker with straws and call me names like "Sal Monella" and "Squirtle" (after an unfortunate bathroom incident).
I am hereby calling for the IIHF to finally recognize a Reptile Team. A team that would expand across the silly boundaries you silly spongy humans created. A team that would be welcoming to all of the animals in our league who must overcome adversity just to play the game we know and love. All my Fish and Bird brothers are welcome. All the walruses and other non-human mammals - welcome. Insects and other Arthropods are welcome. We will have an inclusive dressing room that will meet all of your needs. A place where you will feel proud representing not the human kingdoms, but the ANIMAL KINGDOM.
This is not to say that I have anything but love for my teams (Newfoundland and Edmonton ) or my linemates in Canada Red. Y'all are amazing. This is about getting to represent your affiliation during IIHF play. I think it is beyond time that the governing body extended its culture of inclusion to allow an exclusively non-human team to compete for IIHF glory.
My call to action? Please tag all players in the league who do not identify as human to join me! Our voices must not be silenced!
I came into this world as a wide-eyed naive reptile. I was born in what I identify as Turtle Island. Yes, this is North America's real name and I'm tired of pretending it's not. We are living in a human-centric world, and it is time for me and my reptilian brothers to fight back. Humans have divided the world into random sections and force those who happen to have hatched out of their eggs to represent their interests. Well, I ask you fellow SHLers: Where is my Canada Red passport? Where is my ability to vote? How many Reptiles do you see running for Government in Canada Red? If this idea seems absurd to you, then I suggest that I shouldn't be forced to represent a country that doesn't represent me.
As I glance around the Canada Red locker room, I see massage therapists, but I don't see shell-scrubbers. I see showers, but I don't see a heat lamp to help me regulate my body temperature. This lack of support for different bodied athletes sends me to flashbacks of high school days... Bullies would stuff my locker with straws and call me names like "Sal Monella" and "Squirtle" (after an unfortunate bathroom incident).
I am hereby calling for the IIHF to finally recognize a Reptile Team. A team that would expand across the silly boundaries you silly spongy humans created. A team that would be welcoming to all of the animals in our league who must overcome adversity just to play the game we know and love. All my Fish and Bird brothers are welcome. All the walruses and other non-human mammals - welcome. Insects and other Arthropods are welcome. We will have an inclusive dressing room that will meet all of your needs. A place where you will feel proud representing not the human kingdoms, but the ANIMAL KINGDOM.
This is not to say that I have anything but love for my teams (Newfoundland and Edmonton ) or my linemates in Canada Red. Y'all are amazing. This is about getting to represent your affiliation during IIHF play. I think it is beyond time that the governing body extended its culture of inclusion to allow an exclusively non-human team to compete for IIHF glory.
My call to action? Please tag all players in the league who do not identify as human to join me! Our voices must not be silenced!