Page 207 of Rookie Attraction

Leaning forward, I wait for a lull in the chatter.

“I have a personal announcement to make,” I state, my voice cutting through the murmur of follow-up questions.

The room senses the shift and quiets.

“Six months ago, shortly after I came out and while I was still with Chicago, I was subjected to a hostile work environment and worse, threatened by someone on the team. I reported all this to my agent and the organization. For my safety, I requested a trade, and the Bandits agreed.”

I pause, let that sink in.

“At the time, I didn’t have the will to fight back. I was concerned for my health, and I needed to get out. But I’m in a different place now, and I’m ready to hold them accountable. What happened was wrong, the organization’s failure to act was wrong, and I won’t be silent about it anymore. In addition, at our game against the Bandits in December, I was the recipient of homophobic slurs and hate speech from one particular player. All this to say, I’m filing a civil lawsuit against the Chicago Bandits and my former teammate, Eric Donaldson.”

Flashes go off and reporters shout.

I don’t flinch.

“Before I take any questions about my statement, my teammate has something to say.”

Finn

My pulse is hammering, but my hands are steady as I lean into the mic. I’m bolstered by my boyfriend’s courage. After everything he’s been through. Now it’s my turn to walk through those doors.

“I also have a personal announcement,” I start.

All those cameras and all those eyes focus on me. There’s so much on the line and I don’t want to fuck this up.

“Sel’s not the only queer player represented in this league or this team. I’m bisexual.”

The words land like a slapshot and there’s no taking them back. The room goes still for half a heartbeat, then erupts again. More flashes, more questions, but I keep going because I’m not done.

“I’m not going to comment on how long I’ve known, or anything related to my decision to come out. The only thing I will say is that I have many friends who, like myself, are part of the LGBTQIA+ family. Unfortunately, this league and this sport, along with so many others, is a work in progress when it comes to inclusivity. But I want to be part of that change. I want every kid who loves hockey to know they belong here, exactly as they are.”

My voice is steady and strong. No surprise, because Sel’s presence is my anchor. His confidence is back and mine’s picking up speed.

“I have one other thing to add—” I turn slightly and meet Sel’s eyes.

He raises one eyebrow, and I get the message. Are you sure? It’s one question I’ve answered dozens of times in private.

Glancing back at the cameras, I go for it.

“Sel and I are in love.”

Sel

The room loses its collective mind.

Questions fly from every direction, flashes popping wild, the noise level doubling. Finn’s hand reaches for mine on the table, not hidden, not subtle. I lace our fingers together and squeeze to let him know I’m ready to speak if he can’t. Finn nods at me.

“We’re in a committed relationship,” I explain, my voice cutting through the noise with the same authority I use on the ice. “We’re no different to any other couple who work and live together, even those in the spotlight. Just look at the WPHL if you need a reference.”

A reporter near the front calls out.

“Sel, can you tell us more about what happened in Chicago?"

“The details will be revealed through the legal process,” I reply. “As I said, it was clear I wasn’t welcome there. I felt I had no other option at the time but to leave.”

“Why come forward now?” another reporter asks. “Why wait so long?”

Finn’s thumb brushes softly across my knuckles.