In a fictional world, envision a scenario where the top two competitors in the National Hockey League not only have a fierce rivalry but also share a deep and genuine love for each other. This imaginative tale, brought to life by Halifax writer Rachel Reid in her book “Heated Rivalry,” which is set to be adapted into a TV series on Crave, explores a romance between a Canadian NHL star and a Russian adversary that could potentially revolutionize their lives and the sport itself. Reid specializes in hockey romance novels, a genre that has gained significant popularity in recent years.
Her novels, including “Heated Rivalry,” depict steamy and explicit content, but what sets Reid’s work apart is her creation of a world where openly queer male hockey players can excel and find acceptance in the sport they are passionate about, a concept that remains largely a fantasy in reality.
Reid shared that she started writing these queer hockey romances to address the problematic aspects of the sport, such as homophobia, racism, and sexual violence, and to offer a form of therapy for herself by pushing back against these issues.
Despite the progress in LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, the NHL is yet to have an openly gay player competing in regular games. Luke Prokop became the first active player under an NHL contract to come out as gay in 2021 but has not played in the league yet. Organizations like You Can Play are working towards making sports more inclusive for LGBTQ+ athletes, despite facing challenges like the controversy over themed jerseys worn by players.
In recent years, there has been a grassroots movement to establish safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ hockey players across Canada. Initiatives like the Halifax Mussels, an organization open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, aim to provide a supportive environment for players who may have faced barriers in the sport.
Rachel Reid’s books have garnered a wide readership, with fans worldwide, including many women and gay men who appreciate the representation and themes explored in her novels. Through her work, Reid hopes to challenge stereotypes and inspire critical thinking about LGBTQ+ athletes in the hockey community.
While progress has been made in LGBTQ+ inclusion in women’s professional sports, there is still work to be done in men’s leagues like the NHL. Reid remains optimistic about the impact of the upcoming TV adaptation of “Heated Rivalry” and looks forward to sparking conversations and potentially driving positive change in the hockey world.
In conclusion, Rachel Reid’s novels offer a unique perspective on LGBTQ+ representation in hockey, prompting readers to reflect on the challenges faced by queer athletes and envision a more inclusive future for the sport.