So I’m surprised that PWHL Detroit responded back to me.
I’m not surprised by their response. I’ve attached a photo of the email I received back to my email about Britta Curl. I’ll also copy and paste the email at the bottom here for accessibility.
This is not a good answer from PWHL Detroit, but it was what I would have expected as well.
The PWHL cannot require players to have one united belief system, but they can also choose to not offer contacts to people whose outspoken political beliefs do not align with the league. It is not discrimination to not offer or renew an expiring contract. If she did not fall under the imagine the league wanted they could have simply swept her under the rug when her contract expired. Instead a new team decided to pick up a new contract for three years as one of their top choices. That is an endorsement and acceptance of those beliefs. They were not required to do that.
If their contacts allow players to partner with hate groups without repercussions then the PWHL does need to look into that again, and I guarantee there are groups that if she openly partnered with the PWHL would step in for and prohibit. You don’t say we prioritize an open and inclusive environment and let our players advocate against inclusion while wearing your league’s symbols and connecting themselves back to you.
Lastly. A very vague commitment to inclusivity and the work they have done. Which includes supporting unnamed organizations, and allowing visibility, and where they invest.
Which if you’ve listened to me speak before I hope you know how unimpressed I am with this.
It is not enough to make sure your environment isn’t openly hostile and not hide away your LGBT+ fans and staff. Pride nights and making Pride gear you profit off of, is profit not support. “Donating” to the Trevor project and other LGBTQ+ organizations and shouting them out, doesn’t actually mean anything unless you define what they mean. What are you donating? How much? What are these projects going to do with the money? Why is this the organization you are partnering with above others?
You do not get to declare you are an ally. That’s a descriptor others add to you.
And while I am at it, the vibes at last take over game in Detroit were weird. They were using the Red Wings, I don’t know what their official position title is, models? And watching them on screen felt very much like they did not understand the audience of the PWHL. I do not want to see women objectified. You don’t need to bring in the ideals of white heterosexual cisgender men’s beauty standards to sell product. It felt counter intuitive to the message they were selling on the ice.
Detroit PWHL won’t and probably can’t terminate their contract with Curl. But they can make it clear that they support the trans community with real actionable steps. Like pushing for a gender inclusive policy for the league that supports and protects trans people. They can put out their own hiring and disciplinary policies that makes sure Trans people have jobs and clear cut ways to report and deal with discrimination. They can make it clear that they will not allow Curl to promote transphobia while wearing and platforming the league. They can name and acknowledge what they did and why it’s harmful instead of making excuses and pushing it under the rug. They do not have to platform her on their social media or in league promotions. How many players do we never seen on teams social medias? I’m guessing a lot.
Again, this is what I was expecting. But expecting it and accepting it are two separate things.
And this is why I will not be buying season tickets. Just because the entire league is like this does not mean I have to offer my financial support when they are open about bigotry. I don’t judge anyone who has or will make a different decision, and I will still go to some games. But withholding financial support in conjunction with other actionable steps is an important too. Visibility, and demanding attention is as well.
I will continue to take up space, demand better, and offer resources for support, donation, and education to the community, while actively listening to people with other marginalizations.
The league does not change unless we demand it does. And it does not change until we are able to back them into corners and make statements. Sometimes their answers are not what we want to to be, but that gives us information and pressure points.
Like always please take the time to email the league about something you are upset about using NewYorkSiren’s Guide and consider donating to organizations like ‘Black Girl Hockey Club’.
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with us. We understand the concerns you have raised and recognize how important it is for our community to feel seen, respected, and supported.
While the PWHL can’t control players’ personal beliefs or athletes’ individual business deals, our league’s stance and commitments remain clear.
We are proud of the work we have done with and in support of the LGBTQ+ community, including our LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and staff. That commitment is reflected through our partnerships with community organizations, in-arena visibility, and where we invest our time and resources.
If you look at the cities where we play, as well as our Detroit Takeover Tour games, we create and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment. It has been part of the fabric of our league from the very start, and that will not change.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with us. We truly value hearing from our fans and our community.
