Screens display “Blackhawks Pride Night” outside United Center before an NHL hockey game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

After six NHL players recently opted out of wearing rainbow-colored jerseys on their teams’ Pride nights for the first time, the league’s commissioner says it is weighing the future of the events. Some NHL fans and LGBTQ+ supporters say it’s a sign that a political climate that has led to restrictions on LGTBQ+ people and transgender sports participation both in the U.S. and internationally is now threatening events that are meant to be fun and affirming. One advocate says that because the NHL has been such a leader in how to do Pride nights well, it’s conspicuous to see players roll back their support.