/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38605518/453917746.0.jpg)
Hockey Canada has created a new policy that will allow trans athletes to choose the locker room they use. The policycomes in response to a complaint by a young athlete named Jesse Thompson, who simply wanted to be treated like the rest of the boys.
Jesse Thompson, 17, of Oshawa, Ont., who filed the complaint in August last year, said he was pleased with the result.
"I just hope that kids can see this and know that they don't have to hide any more," Thompson told The Canadian Press.
"They can come out and play their sport that they love, and they don't have to stop playing it just because of how they are or who they are."
Patrick Burke - an NHL employee and founder of the You Can Play project - had a hand in the policy and would have potentially been called as a witness if the case had gone to trial. Burke posted this on Twitter earlier today:
Great to see @HockeyCanada taking HUGE steps for transgender inclusive dressing rooms. So proud of Jesse #YouCanPlay https://t.co/I6boDlY6C6
— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) September 15, 2014
It's yet another example of reason and inclusion winning the day. Congratulations Jesse, and thank you to Hockey Canada for doing the right thing!