Throughout history LGBTQ+ people and communities have had to fight for basic acceptance into society. In some parts of the world that fight is more evident now than probably ever before. Putin's Russia in the vanguard of the attempt to delegitimise non-conformist sexualties.
The Winter Olympics at Sochi, taking place next February will be a major showcase for Russia. However there has been a worldwide mobilization of angry voices (gay, straight and anything else in between) in protest against the policy of hate in Russia that has stripped away the basic human rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
With the blessing of the Russian state and Russian church, the fascist group known as Occupy-Pedofilyay (Оккупай-Педофиляй), are allowed to spread their vile homophobic mantra to children in schools, whipping up a storm of hatred against the gay community. Gay people are regularly humiliated, beaten, tortured and in some cases much worse while the state looks the other way. Gay people regularly ‘go missing’ and suicide rates have risen dramatically.
While the International Olympic Committee hides behind its completely misleading statement of inclusion, calls to change the host of the Winter Olympics. Millions of people have signed petitions and protests have been held worldwide against the main Olympic sponsors who are now concerned about the damage that is possibly being done to their product branding. A message to them, ‘that is the purpose of protest - get used to it - we are not going away’. All of these actions must continue as other countries are now openly following the lead set by Russia in denying basic human rights to their own LGBTQ+ communities. In localised states, LGBTQ+ communities aren’t that big based on national borders but on a global level we have power, we have influence and we have financial clout, it’s not called The Pink Pound for nothing!
Whilst it’s important that the worldwide gay community does everything it can to stand up for others who are persecuted it should be noted that this is not just a ‘GAY’ ISSUE – it is a human rights issue - and it affects everyone. The abuse of many in Russia, including immigrants and prisoners, is appalling and justice is rare. You only need to look at the ‘Pussy Riot’ case, the ‘Bolotnaya’ case and recently the Greenpeace activists detained as pirates by Russia who now face many years in prison.
In conjunction with other individuals, Brighton members of the Public & Commercial Services (PCS) trade union have created a Facebook page - To Russia with Love, Brighton/UK – that will be used to post information that will be of interest to people locally and nationally. It will also link up with other sites worldwide to condemn events in Russia. There is also a demonstration of solidarity with all who are persecuted in Russia planned for 30th November. All who believe human rights are for everyone are welcome to attend
Meet at New Steine Gardens 12 noon Sunday 30th November