Every four years, the world holds its breath and camps out in front of the TV to watch the Olympics. However, the preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia have caused a global outcry due to concerns for the safety of LGBT athletes and their supporters.
Over the past few months, the Russian government has enacted a series of anti-gay laws that, for example, prohibit the “propaganda of homosexuality among minors”, the advocation of a “non-traditional” sexual orientation, and even the “public discussion of gay rights and
relationships anywhere [near] children”; violators are punishable in a host of different ways, ranging from a fine to detention to the deportation of foreign violators.
The global response to these new laws has been ranging. Less than two weeks ago, news outlets all over the world were reporting the quiet but powerful actions of Emma Green Tregaro, a Swedish athlete who painted her nails in rainbow colors at the world championships in Moscow, in which she was participating for high-jumping, to protest the anti-gay laws.
Earlier this month, protesters outside the Russian consulate here in New York City dumped several cases of vodka while calling for an American boycott of the Olympics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNcLAat-oQU
Similarly, many bars worldwide have also stopped serving Russian vodka, according to CNN. Others still suggest not a boycott of the games, but a change in location.
Despite the assurances of both the International Olympic Committee and the Russian government as to the safety of gay or LGBT athletes participating in the games, many are still uneasy about the decision, and are unsure of how to go forward.
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