Episode 11 - Brock McGillis (Breaking The Ice With Queers & Hockey)

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of The Braveyard, host Courtnei Lee is joined by the trailblazing Brock McGillis, a former professional hockey player and LGBTQ+ advocate. Together, they dive deep into Brock’s journey of coming out, the challenges faced by queer athletes in sports, and the transformative power of self-acceptance and love.Key Discussion Points:- **Personal Journey and Coming Out:** - Brock shares his experience of coming out after his first relationship and the impact it had on his life and career. - The serendipitous reunion with his first love after a decade and how they have become good friends.- **Challenges in Sports:** - The harsh realities of being a queer athlete in a predominantly conservative and homophobic sports environment. - Courtnei and Brock discuss the pressures and fears that keep many athletes from coming out, including the potential career repercussions and personal safety concerns.- **Visibility and Advocacy:** - The importance of visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports and how it can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. - Brock’s advocacy work and his mission to create safer spaces for queer athletes.- **Personal Reflections:** - Courtnei’s own experience with a high-profile relationship and the fear of negative media attention. - The importance of self-love and acceptance, and the role these play in overcoming societal pressures.- **Cultural Shifts and Future Hopes:** - The need for a cultural shift in sports to ensure all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcomed and supported. - Brock and Courtnei’s hope for a future where queer relationships and identities are normalized and celebrated in all sports. Memorable Quotes:- “The only one that can accept me is me. Because acceptance from others creates a hierarchy that they're above you, and that's bullshit. We're all equal.” – Brock McGillis- “The whole conversation is based around love. And it's the fact that we're trying to discredit people's life away from love, whether that's loving themselves or loving a partner, is messed up.” – Courtnei LeeIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media @courtneilee for updates and more inspiring stories. Tune in next week for our season finale with the stunning Chloe Veitch, and thank you for joining us in "The Braveyard" where bravery is celebrated, one story at a time.