Gay Blackhawks manager reclaims love for hockey through pride nights

After 2020, Anthony Filomena found it prudent to regauge his priorities and career. He had worked in PR for several years and was very happy, despite something being missing.

That is what was missing he found in 2022, as he saw the Blackhawks were looking for a PR manager on Linkedin. He would land the job, finding more substance with the Blackhawks, while allowing him to reconnect with Chicago sports fandom, as a former youth hockey player.


Filomena grew up in Chicago's suburbs and played floor hockey from 4th grade to senior year. Initially joining to impress his older brother, he found a home in the sport in a defensive role.



Being gay, he experienced a conflict as he didn't acknowledge his identity until his late teens. Living in a catholic area would keep the inner conflict going, along with dealing with hurtful comments from teammates.


As he lived in a homophobic area, Filomena felt nothing good could come with being honest with others about himself. He remained in the closet while confiding in a few peers who would disappoint him and out him later.

After the trauma he experienced, he struggled with his identity and had mental health issues. It wasn't until his 20s that he accepted who he was. In order to solidify his stance, he got a Human Rights Campaign equality sign on himself in 2016 resolving to be more upfront about his sexuality.


He believed sports belonged to a world that ended up bringing him pain, and would continue to distance and disassociate himself from them. But when Filomena landed the job with the Blackhawks, he found an accepting environment and found his passion for the sport again.

He found several LGBTQ employees who welcomed him openly and was made PR Manager for the Hawks "Home Away From Home" game, overseeing the new conference and feeling confident, gaining the team's trust.

He also helped coordinate the Blackhawks Pride Night with his LGBTQ peers and was uplifted by the experience.

He also helped grow the game, by coordinating with LGBTQ small businesses and influencers who would experience the sport for the 1st time, and found themselves hooked! The action and speed of the sports did it for them.

Source: Outsports
Gay Chicago Blackhawks PR manager rediscovered his passion for hockey through his NHL job