Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Homophobia During Rangers Home Games
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Mar 21, 2008
Modified Mar 21, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Mar 21, 2008
Modified Mar 21, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gay NY Rangers fans are unhappy about the "toxic atmosphere" at Madison Square Garden during Rangers games. One of their examples is the reaction to Larry Goodman's dancing (pay attention at about 19 seconds in):
Goodman's dancing, described as a tradition at home games, is broadcast to get the crowds going late in games. And the crowd responds with chants of "Homo Larry!" (Goodman tells the Times he prefers to be called "Dancin' Larry.") Apparently, the crowd has also booed when the New York City Gay Hockey Association's name appeared on the arena's jumbo screen.
MSG says it has taken some steps to crack down on raucous behavior, like ejecting people for using profanity and increasing security. But it has also turned down offers, including one from gay Ranger fan--and founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network--Kevin Jennings, to help produce game time PSA's promoting tolerance to fans. Some gay fans have canceled their season tickets, while others just shrug, considering it part of the hockey atmosphere.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is gay, has asked MSG to be more aggressive in making sure the Garden is inclusive. Given that MSG receives city tax breaks, you'd think they'd be interested in that. And MSG has had its problems in recent years with inappropriate behavior, Isiah Thomas's sexual harassment to the alleged sexual harassment of Rangers City Skaters by MSG executives.
Tagged
homo larry
homophobia
isiah thomas
knicks
madison square garden
msg
rangers
sexual harassment
Dave Hogarty
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .