Heated Rivalry star ‘overwhelmed’ by love after calling out transphobic comments
Heated Rivalry’s Harrison Browne has spoken out after receiving transphobic messages. (Monica Schipper/Getty/HBO)
Trans Heated Rivalry star Harrison Browne has thanked supportive fans in a heartwarming message, after earlier revealing he’d received transphobic comments.
Earlier this week, Harrison Browne (the first openly trans professional ice hockey player) joined the show’s stars, Hudson Williams and Francois Arnaud, in calling out a toxic side to the fandom.
Since the show gained popularity, the actors have been subjected to intense speculation and rumours about their personal lives and relationships.
Williams and Arnaud’s post read: “Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynist/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind.
“None of us need your hateful ‘love’,” the post continues. “We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can’t accept that gtfoh [get the f*** outta here]”.
Following their statement, Browne added his own perspective. He re-shared Williams and Arnaud’s note, adding: “also transphobic comments.”
In a second post, he shared examples of transphobic comments that had been made about his casting.
On Thursday (10 March), the 32-year-old Canadian actor and former professional hockey player returned to his Instagram story to thank fans.
Browne said: “A huge thank you to everybody who reached out after I posted the Heated Rivalry negative, transphobic comments.
‘It was heard and so appreciated.’
“I am very lucky to be overwhelmed by the amount of messages that I got from people sending some love.
“Just know, even if I wasn’t able to get back to you, it was heard and so appreciated. Love you guys!”
In Heated Rivalry, Browne plays Ilya Rozanov’s (Connor Storrie) Boston Raiders teammate Connors.
Browne’s cameo is a nod to the former player’s legacy on the ice. Before transitioning, played for the Metropolitan Riveters and Buffalo Beauts.
Since appearing on the popular queer show, Browne has used the spotlight to highlight pressing issues in the world of ice hockey.
Browne criticised USA Hockey after the US men’s team celebrated their Winter Olympics win with Donald Trump. He also called out USA Hockey’s “quiet” trans ban.
The former ice hockey star has also been channelling his attention into creative pursuits.
Browne made a semi-autobiographical short film about a trans player. Pink Light follows a trans man transported back to his younger pre-transitioned self, where he shares a surprising connection with a frat boy.
Furthermore, Browne is an author. With his sister, investigative journalist Rachel Browne, he released a non-fiction book titled Let Us Play. The book examines transgender inclusion in sports, addressing misconceptions about the participation of trans and non-binary athletes.
