Gay Fans Report Toxic Atmosphere at Madison Square Garden
Gay fans of the New York Rangers hockey team are concerned about some of the behavior taking place during the home games at Madison Square Garden.
According to fans, crowd chants that use derogatory terms, and homophobic comments that are shouted to the players have resulted in a tense atmosphere at the games and have led to many giving up their tickets.
Ray Stankes gave up the season tickets he’s had for 25 years in part due to the anti-gay environment. “If I take a friend who is also gay who, for lack of a better term, is not as masculine, I’m always sitting there a little tense…it’s made it not quite as fun as it used to be.”
City Council speaker, Christine Quinn joined with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network in January to urge the Rangers to take action. Since then the Garden has started broadcasting warnings during the games that fans who behave offensively will be removed. Quinn says she would still like to see more done.
