CJ Jackson of the Toronto Six discusses Pride, self expression, being your authentic self...and hockey.

"Being yourself is...everything. Every person is put on the earth to spread whatever their true self is, whatever their soul expresses, whatever their personality is, and just to be that to their fullest, is the most powerful thing - CJ Jackson, Toronto Six

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CJ Jackson is a netminder for the Toronto Six. Jackson is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. For Jackson, the two are not separate - life as a hockey player and life as an LGBTQ+ individual. 

Jackson, who recently re-signed with the Toronto Six after winning an Isobel Cup with the team last season, discusses hockey, the struggles LGBTQ+ people feel, the need to feel safe to express yourself and be yourself in hockey, and the idea of Pride.

As Jackson said, "Humanity and humans, no matter what your stance is, everyone can understand what it means to have heart and the power that you feel when you feel safe and when you feel excited...I think everyone can connect with something that they love. Every human has that power within them to be who they are and spread that light."

Jackson wants all people to show mutual respect for those around them, and believes sport is an opportunity to embody the best parts of humanity and society.

"I think that in sport we can set an example of how we can be in our lives and how we can function as a complete society, and accept others and support others."

"It's a long freaking road, but it's just one change at a time, right? And one more positive act and one positive choice at a time where we can help people powerful and loved...and excited to be here."

Listen to and watch the full conversation with CJ Jackson above.