[MissTeeks]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/ca...968/story.html

“I’m in Toronto this weekend, otherwise I would be there, larger than life,” said the Calgary Flames’ president of hockey operations Wednesday.
In the world of professional hockey, Burke is larger than life, and in recent years he has used his high profile to advocate for LGBT rights.
Earlier this year, he marched in the Toronto Pride Parade alongside Flames captain Mark Giordano and centre Sean Monahan.
“For a player like Gio to march in that parade, it was a major statement,” said Burke. “I think the athletes can bring a lot of weight and attention to the issue.”

The cause is personal for Burke, whose gay son Brendan was killed in a car crash in 2010. But he also said it’s important for the Flames as a team to show solidarity with the LGBT community.
“When we open our doors for a hockey game or we open our dressing room doors, everyone is welcome.”

While the LGBT community has made “profound” gains, Burke said there’s still a lot of ignorance and fear in sports. Gay slurs are still common.
“It’s habitual, it’s not a judgment about a person’s sexuality. A guy knocks you down from behind in a game and what’s the biggest rock you can throw?”

Stampeders running back Jon Cornish, whose mother is a lesbian, is expected to join the Calgary Sexual Health Centre float.
Pam Krause, the organization’s executive director, said his involvement makes him a great role model for young people.
“You see someone who you consider a hero say ‘It’s important that people can be out and all of us in society support them.’ That goes a long way,” she said, adding Burke’s work has been “astonishing.”