On March 30, filmmaker, author, actor and athlete, Harrison Browne visited Ashland University for a screening of his film, “Pink Light,” and Q&A session.
The event took place in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium at 7:00 p.m., and students quickly filled the room to hear Browne’s story.
The event was sponsored by Eagles for Pride, along with AU’s Departments of English, Theater, Communication Studies and Journalism and Digital Media.
Dr. Maura Grady opened the event by introducing Browne and introducing a new Film Studies minor that will be available to students in the fall.
“One of the most important lessons that college students are often told by professors is to learn to be flexible,” said Grady. “You guys are going to have to learn to do different things, and I think Harrison Browne is an excellent example of this.”
Prior to his career in film and television, Browne was a collegiate and professional athlete, where he was the first out transgender player in professional hockey. He is an advocate for transgender inclusion in sports, including working in the National Hockey League’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative.
Through his efforts, Browne was recognized in 2016 as one of Hockey’s 100 Top People of Power.
After retiring from the sport, he decided to pivot and pursue acting eventually leading him to the popular show, “Heated Rivalry.” As well as co-author a book, “Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes,” with his sister, Rachel Browne, and write and direct his short film, “Pink Light.”
“It’s been 11 years since I’ve been in a college classroom,” said Browne. “The energy is still palpable on college campuses and it’s really inspiring to share my film with you all.”
His short film, “Pink Light,” is loosely based on his own life; it centers around a transgender man trying to get back into hockey, the sport that he gave up to physically transition, after he takes a dangerous hit on the ice. The story follows the main character’s daze while he is transported back to his college years.
Following the showing of his short film to the audience, Browne opened the floor for questions. Topics ranged from filmmaking, acting, writing, directing and even life advice.
“I think art is a really lovely collaborative experience, especially filmmaking,” said Browne. “Being able to have different people’s influences, like when Nicolette, my partner, came on as a writer, we were able to really flesh out the character of Laura; to have this perspective of allies and people in your life that might say the wrong thing, might not know how to show up for you, but they’re trying.”
Browne also spoke on his experience directing and acting in his film, giving students insight as to what the project entailed and what it was like to be on set. He also connected his experiences in professional hockey to his career in the arts.
“In hockey, when I was having fun with my teammates, when I was joking around in the locker room, when I was feeling loose and not worried about my coach yelling at me or my players getting on me, that was when I played the best. So, I tried to foster that environment on set,” said Browne.
One of the last questions of the night came anonymously, “How would you suggest that college staff and faculty help support trans students?”
“Silence is not an option anymore; there have been too many attacks on the community, and it really harms mental health,” said Browne.
“It’s just checking in on people; if you’re a coach, if you’re a player, if you can stand up for trans athletes and trans athletics in this moment and use your voice, we could really use you.”
