Sochi Olympics will test gay rights
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...mpics/1897021/
"I love Russia and there is nothing that will change that," Weir said. "I'm a true patriot and spokesperson for their country. It's appalling they can censor their public, but I try to do everything I can. I have been in talks with different LBGT organizations in Russia with how I can help."
IOC only seems to care about money, apparently. :(
There is no way they should allow Russia to ban Pride House from the Olympic village.
From the article, it looks like the IOC is saying that it is Russia's business whether it has a Pride House or not, which IMO is cowardly of them. They obviously can't get a new location for the games this close to the event, but in an event celebrating all the athletes of the world, I find a message that says, "Well, not some athletes...," to be completely not in the spirit of the Olympic movement, IMO.
Even Weir is offering this advice to athletes:
If he makes the Olympic team, Weir doesn't want to make an issue of his sexuality, he said. For him, the Olympics should be about sport and competition. But he does have advice for gay athletes unfamiliar with the culture.
"My advice would be: Watch what you do when you leave the Village, don't be aggressive, don't wear a big rainbow flag fur coat. If you don't call attention to yourself, attention won't come to you."
I seriously doubt there is going to be any trouble inside the Olympic village.
That is not the point, though.Originally Posted by PolymerBob
It's about being inclusive, non-heterosexual athletes already have a hard enough time as it is.
It's about acknowledging that yes-homosexuality does exist... even in the elite sports level, celebrating diversity, and championing equality. All of which the Olympic movement should be behind of IMO.
ETA. Very proud of Vancouver to have taken such a bold stance!
Last edited by IndieBoi; 02-07-2013 at 10:33 AM.
As unfortunate as this is, it does reflect that the world is still evolving on this issue. Ten years ago this controversy could have taken place in the US, and even today a third of our population would probably oppose a Pride House at a US-based Olympics.
^^^^It might depend on which US city it would be near...but the Westboro Baptist Church would be likely to put in an appearance, I think.
Where? Who? The only one who had hard time in Sochi at GPF was that Canadian whose organic chicken wasn't delivered, as C-media reported, which caused his bad skating there.I am sure athletes will be busy with their competitions. I seriously doubt that any of them are bringing costumes and banners for gay parades in front of Iceberg to test how Russian law works. It's just journalists are writing their nonsense, same as usual.
For the love of God! I am gay as a goose but I am sooo sick of hearing about Equality and Gay Rights in every aspect of our day to day lives! Can we not even enjoy The Olympics without making it a platform for politics? It's ok to be ourselves and express ourselves freely but one doesn't have to act like a complete clown 24/7 like Weir. It seems he is an attention seeker that worries more about his image than his skating skills. Rudy Galindo was eccentric and flamboyant but he knew when to behave. Gay or not people who act like court jesters will get on anyone's nerves after a while.
Last edited by TonyaHardlyEver; 02-07-2013 at 03:05 PM.
Russia hosts major events of every kind every year and I have not heard of any man or woman being arrested because they were gay. Russia has said no to a Pride House and the big deal is? Oh no Russia is not having the Olympics be a teaching moment!! How horrible.
Weir seemed rather thoughtful on this issue IMO. The fact that the Pride House will not be in Sochi after being a part of the last two villages, in addition to the recent LGBT issues in Russia, should raise some eyebrows. Although you are gay and tired of the equality issue, apparently some gay athletes feel differently and their concerns should be addressed.
Actually it isn't "ok to be [y]ourself and express [y]ourself freely" when it is illegal to do so in Russia. Jonny Weir's eccentric dress and attitude has nothing to do with his homosexuality. Last I checked, Madonna is heterosexual and she is just about as out there as Weir. Insulting him on a skating forum is probably a bad call.
Whoa, really, I agree with you, but why are you attacking Weir over it? He seems to agree with you as well.
Re-quoting what doris already quoted:
If he makes the Olympic team, Weir doesn't want to make an issue of his sexuality, he said. For him, the Olympics should be about sport and competition. But he does have advice for gay athletes unfamiliar with the culture.
"My advice would be: Watch what you do when you leave the Village, don't be aggressive, don't wear a big rainbow flag fur coat. If you don't call attention to yourself, attention won't come to you."
....what?
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