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LGBT Athletes in Sochi

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MaxBerkowitz
Posts: 440 - Karma: 2,611
As you may know already, Russia is incredibly homophobic. Russia recently introduced a law that makes it "illegal to spread information about non-traditional sexual behaviour." Basically, gay pride rallies are banned, publicly stating you are gay to a minor is banned, and if you read between the lines, free speech is banned.

Four Dutch tourists were arrested and jailed after interviewing a gay 17 year old for their film on gay rights issues in Murmansk.

It gets worse.

Vitaly Milonov, one of the lawmakers behind the "Homosexual Propaganda" law has stated that athletes in Sochi will have to abide by these rules. That means any LGBT athletes will not be able to be with their loved one for support during the olympics. If an athlete speaks out about the gay rights atrocities in Russia, they will suffer severe consequences.

Here's where NS comes in. There are multiple athletes competing in the 2014 Olympic Games who regularly read this site. If you're on an olympic team, you can help out. Next time you have an interview on National Television, talk about gay rights in Russia. It's that easy. Spend 5 minutes talking about how disappointed you are with Russia's "Homosexual Propaganda" law. Let the world know what's going on.

NS, rate this up so everyone can see it on the splash page!
Share it to Facebook and Twitter!
If you have a friend who is competing in the Olympics (seems like everyone claims they do) tell them!

Thanks folks.
Jul 30 2013 11:46PM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15081 - Karma: 9,158
If there's any misunderstanding, it's on your side. What your country seems to be calling 'propoganda' (and that's if you take the law at face value, and not as an overarching bill legalizing discrimination against people who identify as LGTBQ) is really a lack of the massive heteronormativity long found in much of culture. Such heteronormativity serves to alienate and psychologically harm LGBTQ individuals by denying their own legitimacy and existence. It's simply dehumanizing.
Jul 31 2013 1:27PM
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saxon
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 551
no one said you have to like LGBT opnions/views, etc.

for example, just because I think your opinion is ridiculous/ill-formed, doesn't mean you're gonna get arrested.

furthermore, what they are spreading is not propaganda.
Jul 31 2013 1:28PM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
Why is he wearing his watch/wedding ring on his right hand?

Regardless, this is fucked up. If several of the larger competing countries put pressure on the Russian government, I'm sure they'd eventually repeal the law. I seriously doubt they would rather lose their Olympic hosting privledges to keep their stupid homophobic laws in place. That's a lot of money invested in stadiums and whatnot that would all be thrown down the drain over this bullshit. Threaten their hosting privledges and they'll fold.
Jul 31 2013 1:34PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
wow. Quality, pertinent info for the conversation at hand... rare on NS.

but holy shit, that makes me dislike Russia/Russians in general that much more.
Click for larger image

and yes that is my solution, fight homophobia with xenophobia...


Jul 31 2013 1:36PM
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NoSkillsCrew
Posts: 1203 - Karma: 2,108
so far this thread has renewed my faith in NS. Cause this shit is fucked up.
Jul 31 2013 1:37PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 6,206
This. We've moved out of the twentieth century and are accepting people for who they are. Yet some people, including the Russian government and other people who live either inside or outside of Russia. Like I said many times in this thread, I support LGBTQ rights and I wouldn't be surprised if they got their privileges taken away and wouldn't be able to host the Olympics. Russia should get on the bandwagon and support LGBTQ rights instead of completely slandering, humiliating, and/or torturing LGBTQ citizens of Russia.

Just gonna leave this here.
Jul 31 2013 1:40PM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,813
I dont see why the olympic comitee doesnt just threaten to move the games elsewhere if they dont change their stance. Make them lose their multi million dollar investment because they wanted to block a few figure skaters.
Jul 31 2013 1:43PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,983
Because you have a right to your own opinion. Haha 'Oh you don't believe the same things as me..better boycott you entirely."
Jul 31 2013 1:55PM
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pillowprowler
Posts: 34 - Karma: 45
upon further review, the LSM guys ARE as stupid and uneducated as they look...
Jul 31 2013 1:56PM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,813
no no no... the olympic committee choses a country and a city worthy of hosting the games. It is also in charge of protecting its athletes. Having your athletes getting arrested for reasons that go against United nation laws is unacceptable.

The committee has the higher ground, they can ask them to apply those laws to their citizens, not the athletes or forfit billions of dollars in revenue and global attention.
Jul 31 2013 2:01PM
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Peach.
Posts: 3879 - Karma: 933
Your opinion is different than mine. You're currently imposing it on me.
Jul 31 2013 2:02PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
As a follow-up to this, the main point of these stats are to show that it is not necessarily the government of Russia that is the problem, but more so the people of Russia.

You have 16% wanting gays isolated from society, 22% wanting gays to get forced treatment and 5% (7 million people if you take the survey as an accurate sample of Russian views) want gays to be eradicated. The definition of eradicate is put an end to; destroy.

"The main tools are hate speech, use of mass propaganda to spread lies, insecurity and create myths promoting a climate of simultaneous fear and dehumanisation of the intended targets; and the organisation of armed bodies of men in preparation for, or to actually direct, instigate or carry out violence and mass murder. All of these factors and those mentioned earlier are clearly identifiable and if left unchallenged build up to make genocide almost inevitable."
-http://pambazuka.org/en/category/features/21207

Seriously, the lines are being drawn. They have developed a culture of hatred towards a particular group and have marginalized them to the point where the majority is "disgusted" by them. Now they have enacted legislation that further marginalizes the group. A full out genocide is not that far out of reach, especially since there is growing evidence that the majority may be complacent, if not supportive.

TLDR Summary - Shit is fucked.

Jul 31 2013 2:10PM
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MEOWMIXXX
Posts: 549 - Karma: 2,578
Everybody Love Everybody, ELE baby...
Jul 31 2013 2:11PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
haha oops. i get my tyrannical dictators mixed up sometimes.
Jul 31 2013 2:19PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 6,206
Guys, this thread reached Facebook. We're screwed if anyyone we know sees the opinions we have posted.
Jul 31 2013 2:20PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
inb4 the karma rape of 2013
Jul 31 2013 2:23PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
also, sorry for dub post, do you see gay people as less human than you? You don't have to wave a rainbow flag around and make out with other guys, all were saying is why not tolerate them? Let them do their thing. Don't talk to them or watch them on TV or whatever, but should being attracted to another guy really be punishable by law?
Jul 31 2013 2:26PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Obvious statement is obvious ;)

I mean c'mon, they're Russian, which is pretty much synonymous with drunk, egotistical/prideful and probably stealing/planning to steal from you right now.

Jul 31 2013 2:26PM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
Where on FB? links plox
Jul 31 2013 2:27PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 6,206
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151568958334103&set=pb.92836784102.-2207520000.1375295324.&type=3&theater
Jul 31 2013 2:29PM
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PYPat
Posts: 109 - Karma: 975
The Olympics serve as a great platform for gay athletes to promote change in Russia for sure and I think the best part about it is that it gives Russian youth a chance to see that being LGBT is ok and that most of the world isn't as backwards as Russia. If Johnny Weir wins gold and is standing on that podium in a pink dress or something flamboyant then maybe a little 13 year old Russian kid who's feeling super alone thanks to dick-heads like "LifeSteezMedia" will have someone to associate with.

It's beyond fucked up that the IOC isn't doing anything about the fact that even guests with a rainbow flag on their backpack can be detained and fined but I think it's far worse for the youth of russia to be subjected to the belief that homosexuality is a crime.
Jul 31 2013 2:51PM
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mr.airplane
Posts: 214 - Karma: 260
henrik chimes in.
Jul 31 2013 3:07PM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
What is this? A picture for ants?
Jul 31 2013 3:09PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Someone needs to go back and find that list that compiled the top internet porn searches. Suddenly I am totally interested to see what Russia whacks it to.
Jul 31 2013 3:11PM
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mr.airplane
Posts: 214 - Karma: 260
https://www.newschoolers.com/memberphoto/649440.0/Facebook-Henrik-jpeg?s=136903&o=8
Jul 31 2013 3:13PM
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rockersteez
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,199
It needs to be at least 3 times this size
Jul 31 2013 3:14PM
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brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
Jul 31 2013 3:15PM
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Petey.
Posts: 5736 - Karma: 4,885
http://www.pornmd.com/sex-search
Jul 31 2013 3:16PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Hahahaha... So Mom/Granny porn is cool. Got it.
Jul 31 2013 3:17PM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
Of course Tanner is a fucking retard stuck in 8th grade.
Henrik's comment is like a 12 year olds. "I like boobs, lol"
Jul 31 2013 3:17PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,093
There is no way this is real, link to fb post?
Jul 31 2013 3:18PM
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Anti_Steeze
Posts: 1465 - Karma: 81
would post the link but I don't want to get banned. here they are:

1. Russian
2. Anal
3. Teen
4. Russian Teen
5. Mature
6. Sasha Grey
7. Compilation
8. Casting
9. Russian Mature
10. Russian Mom


They seem to be pretty into themselves over there in Russia...
Jul 31 2013 3:21PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
It's real...
Jul 31 2013 3:22PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
And super embarrassing for both of them.
Jul 31 2013 3:26PM
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MaxBerkowitz
Posts: 440 - Karma: 2,611
That's pretty lame from Henrik and Tanner honestly, but I'm really pleased with how well this thread is going! Thanks for spreading the word guys!
Jul 31 2013 3:28PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I obviously have no idea what else was said and can't claim to be as high as either of them, but it seemed like Tanner was making fun of someone not seeing the big deal in it.

I wonder if someone will ever get him a keyboard that allows for the use of lowercase letters.
Jul 31 2013 3:29PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
some rastas and "rastas" are pretty anti-gay.. it'd be disappointing to see some pros not embracing their fellow man (wink) as they do in seemingly all other aspects of their life
Jul 31 2013 3:34PM
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BskiP
Posts: 1369 - Karma: 223
How is it super embarrassing? It doesnt effect either of them at all. Yea, its a pretty extreme stance that Russia has, but they have the right to do whatever they want in their country. If you don't like it, don't go? Simple as that. I don't support criminalizing LGBT people in any way, they can do their thing, but it is TOTAL bullshit that people that don't agree with homosexuality in a peaceful, non hateful way are labeled as bigots. That is happening a ton in this thread and everywhere else for that matter.

Long story short, if you don't like the KoolAid, Don't drink it.
Jul 31 2013 3:36PM
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rockersteez
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,199
Every once in a while a thread comes up like this and you realize people have your back. Obviously at the same time there are people getting a little wild and turning it into a shitstorm but still plenty of awesome members.


Thanks NS, you rock!


Click for larger image

Jul 31 2013 3:44PM
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Tree60
Posts: 1438 - Karma: 4,961
except they already are not drinking the koolaid, because they like women. What they are doing is not only not drinking the koolaid, but wanting to outlaw drinking koolaid and people who agree with people being able to drink koolaid. You can dislike homosexuality all you want, but you shouldn't dislike equality. When you have a position of power like they do, showing any form of bigotry (yes bigotry) is very much not okay.
Jul 31 2013 3:47PM
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Jaznewt
Posts: 919 - Karma: 1,686
pretty sad..
Jul 31 2013 3:50PM
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4-Front
Posts: 5306 - Karma: 199
Really bad on Russia's part. I hope the LGBT version of this occurs during the Olympics:

Click for larger image
Jul 31 2013 3:52PM
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rockersteez
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,199
I mean it's not like they chose to be gay. People are entitled to their beliefs but I'm simply telling you that. You can believe whatever you want.

You don't really have much choice over being born male/female, black/white, gay/straight. You can dislike people, you can speak out against them, but I wouldn't act surprised if somebody calls you a bigot.

Jul 31 2013 3:56PM
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johnblaze
Posts: 1477 - Karma: 2,600
This website is going down hill fast..
Jul 31 2013 3:57PM
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CaptainSlow
Posts: 717 - Karma: 930
it just disappoints me, that in this day and age, this senseless behavior still goes on, especially from men in such a position to have an affect on so many youth
Jul 31 2013 3:58PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142

1. There is no way to disagree with homosexuality in a non-hateful way. Disagreeing with who a person is is inherently hateful. You are a bigot. Congrats.

2. Even if there were it's pretty goddamn obvious that the laws in question are incredibly hateful. The entire stated purpose behind them is to protect children from pedophelia, implying that homosexuals are more likely to be pedophiles. 90+% of pedophiles are heterosexual.

3. It's super embarrassing because if they don't care about the issue, they should just keep quiet about it. Joking about it is pretty weak considering people have been assaulted and imprisoned for who they are. It would be equally embarrassing had the olympics been held in South Africa in 1987 and an athlete had said, "well, sounds okay for me, since I'm not black!"

Jul 31 2013 3:58PM
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rockersteez
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,199
I don't support criminalizing black people in any way, they can do their thing, but it is TOTAL bullshit that people that don't agree with blacks in a peaceful, non hateful way are labeled as bigots. That is happening a ton in this thread and everywhere else for that matter.
Jul 31 2013 4:11PM
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Wolfgang.
Posts: 807 - Karma: 866
Lets just hope there isn't another Munich type incident because of it.
Jul 31 2013 4:17PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
I hope tanner explains what the fuck he means, that guy has been someone I've thought highly of for years. It is rather unsettling that he'd be so fucking dumb, I knew he was stupid, but I at least hoped he wasn't hateful.

Henrik too, but I know he's just a ski-machine that runs on candy and cannabis, he can't have a whole lot going on up there.




Jul 31 2013 4:21PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
after thinking about it, could a response be more self-centered? People are being assaulted over something they had no choice in, and his response is, "glad that doesn't affect me"

Jul 31 2013 4:28PM
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