A personal message from Harrison Browne
“I’m making official what has been part of my life for a few years now. I’m Harrison.”
As some of you may have seen on our site earlier today, ESPN wrote an article about Harrison Browne of the Buffalo Beauts. At The Ice Garden, we wanted you to to hear directly from Harrison about his decision to make this announcement. Below is a letter to you, written directly from Harrison. We hope you enjoy it.
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To the Staff and Readers of The Ice Garden,
Hey, it’s Brownie – number 24 on the Buffalo Beauts. Congratulations on the launch of this new site. We really appreciate the coverage of our game. I’m sure you hockey fans love it, too.
You may have heard by now that I have some news of my own. Beginning today – the start of the 2016-17 National Women’s Hockey League season – I’m making official what has been part of my life for a few years now. I’m Harrison. I’m a “he.” As in “Harrison Browne made a good pass for the primary assist on that goal by the Beauts.” Or “He really lost his check on that one,” haha.
A few weeks ago, I made an official request to the league. Below is a part of the original email I sent to the NWHL Commissioner, Dani Rylan. I’m sharing it with you so my plan and wishes are clear.
“I am interested in coming out in the league as transgender. I will not be legally changing my name or beginning a physical transition until after I conclude my career in the NWHL. I will be playing in the exact condition that I did last season, just under a new name while using male pronouns. I would feel most comfortable being addressed via the media, roster, during games, and any PR as Harrison Browne versus Hailey Browne along with using all male pronouns versus female pronouns.”
The Commissioner immediately responded that all would be taken care of, and made it clear that the league office had my unconditional support. That was so nice to hear. Thank you, Dani, and everyone in the league office.
I’d also like to thank Chris Mosier from the You Can Play Project for his guidance throughout. My teammates and coaches with the Beauts have been amazing. Most of them have known me as Harrison for a while now. The only thing that’s changed is that it’s more public now. (Okay, maybe a lot more public.) If I can be a role model for anyone like me, that’s a role I will embrace. But when all is said and done, I’m still Brownie: hockey player, teammate, friend, fan of the game.
So it’s Game On tonight in Buffalo against the defending champion Boston Pride. I hope you’ll follow the Beauts all season long and support all of the players in this incredible league.
Harrison Browne
October 7, 2016
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