OPINION: Russia’s Policies on Homosexuality – A Good Thing?

Feb 13, 2014
Gay Media & Press Network

(GayWebSource.com – Gay News & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com

As controversy rages around the winter Olympics, I have to say that I am really pleased that Russia has hosted the games and I would like to thank Mr Putin for drawing the World’s attention to his corner of the globe.

By Paul Szabo | 13th Feb 2014

Olympics

As the spotlight has fallen on Russia and its appalling treatment of the LGBT community, it has had more of a positive effect on gay rights than it may first appear, and whilst the outcry may not immediately change the Russian leader’s perceptions or cease the vile treatment of human being’s based on their sexual preference or gender identity, it has gone a long way to push forward for equality not just in Russia, but globally.

The negative publicity around Russia’s stance of homosexuality has broken through into the mainstream consciousness. It has promoted corporate brands come forward and show their support. Google changed its front page to a rainbow of winter sports on the day of the opening ceremony. Gay Mountain, and altered its logo throughout the day.

But it goes further than that. The news has had features on the way in which gay men and women are beaten and appallingly treated. Hunted which showed the horrific behaviour towards people based on their sexuality in the host country. All of which has gone to show the struggle faced by the Russian LGBT community to the viewing audience.

There have been demonstrations around the world, calling for the games to be boycotted. Prominent figures in the public eye, including Stephen Fry and Wentworth Miller, have come forward with their condemnation of Russia’s policies and raised their voices in terms of equality.

But it doesn’t stop there. Social media is awash with tweets and posts which scream out for equality. People are disgusted at how basic human rights, which are often taken for granted, are being violated. I cannot remember a time when social media has been more inundated with rainbow flags and pink triangles. And from there, these tweets and Facebook posts and pages are going global, reaching millions of people with a message of equality.

But what all of this leads to is the fact that people are talking about injustice, human rights, equality and the right for people to love each other without fear of condemnation, fear of reprisals and fear of violence and hatred. I have heard more people talking about the ill treatment of the gay community than I have about the games themselves.

So how does this impact more than it may first appear? The massive amount of global condemnation of Russia’s political stance is hugely empowering. There are LGBT people out there who are growing in confidence when they see that despite some narrow minded people, the general attitude of the public is in support of people loving who they want to love. Social media and the internet will show those in Russia who are living in fear that people fully support them and that they are not in the wrong for loving someone of the same sex. But it has also shown other people in other countries who are subject to strict laws in relation to homosexuality that there is a world of people out there who do not agree with their suppression and who support positive change.

So, thank you Mr Putin, for not only hosting one of the most overshadowed and least popular Olympic Games, and one which shall be remembered more for the infringements of human rights than for any medal table or sporting achievement. And thank you Mr Putin for placing the subject of equality for lesbians, gays, transgender and bisexual men and women very firmly and squarely on the global stage. Your policies have done more to forward the rights of LGBT people than to supress them as you had hoped.

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