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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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artfullydodged
Posts: 8358 - Karma: 1,674
Man if you don't agree with what they're doing and they hand you the chance to say something about it on a silver platter THEN FUCKING TAKE IT TANNER.
Aug 1 2013 3:00PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
let's try to minimize the infighting here. tanner has expressed that he doesnt agree with the anti-gay stuff, but has a differing opinion on how to regard it in respect to the olympics

personally i think the olympics are the exact kind of venue that these injustices should be addressed at when relevant. the picture of tommie smith and john carlos holding their fists in the air after undeniably proving the equality of blacks in the face of oppression lives on as a legacy of what world class athletes can show to the world given this spotlight.

im not saying it has to be all about that but hosting the olympics is an honor that should not be taken lightly and if russia wants to prove that they are a 21st century power worthy of being hosts, their archaic and demonstrably false views on sexuality shouldn't be tolerated.

tanner show your dedication to one love and support your peers. you can see by this thread that the community that knows and loves you as one of their legends doesnt have any patience for ignorance on this matter
Aug 1 2013 3:04PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
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Aug 1 2013 3:05PM
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Willard
Posts: 5117 - Karma: 429
Peter Fitts is to blame
Aug 1 2013 3:05PM
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brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
this.
Aug 1 2013 3:08PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
very sorry to triple post, but peter norman, the australian dude in the black power picture, is worth mentioning here

After the race, Carlos and Smith told Norman what they were planning to do during the ceremony. As Flanagan wrote: "They asked Norman if he believed in human rights. He said he did. They asked him if he believed in God. Norman, who came from a Salvation Army background, said he believed strongly in God. We knew that what we were going to do was far greater than any athletic feat. He said, 'I'll stand with you'." Carlos said he expected to see fear in Norman's eyes. He didn't. "I saw love."[5]
On the way out to the medal ceremony, Norman saw the badge being worn by Paul Hoffman, a white member of the US Rowing Team, and asked him if he could wear it.[6] It was also Norman who suggested that Smith and Carlos share the black gloves used in their salute, after Carlos left his gloves in the Olympic Village.[7] This is the reason for Tommie Smith raising his right fist, while John Carlos raised his left.
Aug 1 2013 3:09PM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
Ooh Hurt Knee praying friend Ooh
Aug 1 2013 3:15PM
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dr.awkward
Posts: 1461 - Karma: 26
You're right, it's not your country, and all Olympians have to do is go there to compete, maybe win a medal then go home. But if that's how you view this situation, then that is fantastically glib. It's not showing any compassion for the struggle of others in different countries. With all of your ups and downs in your career, you know full well what it's like to have the world hate you. Why would you not speak up and offer support to those in a similar position? As someone who people listen to, why are not outraged at the violation of human rights? And why are you passively supporting the haters in America. Man, if only you could see how fucked up it is over there for gay people maybe you'd have a little more heart.
Aug 1 2013 3:29PM
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artrud
Posts: 598 - Karma: 1,471

This isnt the Tanner I remember?  You used to go out there and throw it in ppl's faces.  Think about it this way....you work your whole life to get to a place to be the best in the world and compete at an Olympic level.  Then the host country throws this out at the last minute and someone who is affected by it is simply supposed to boycott the games (and diregard a lifetime of hard work)?

Here's my solution, go to the games, all athletes wear rainbow colored arm bands during opening ceremony. Then LGBT athletes win majority of events and wear armbands on podium.  Read your history, the Nazis tried to do something similar to black people (ie Jesse Owens) in the Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics.

Aug 1 2013 3:33PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
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This is the best idea I've heard in a while. We need to encourage this to show Russia that the world today has changed and we support marriage equality. MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE!
Aug 1 2013 3:39PM
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Jaznewt
Posts: 919 - Karma: 1,686
amen art.
Aug 1 2013 4:15PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
Damn. The post has a rating of -170. And their karma rating has taken a great downfall.
Aug 1 2013 4:33PM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10888 - Karma: 2,184
so don't stand up against inequality, just sit there and take it because you can't make a difference...is that what you're trying to say tanner?

thank god im Canadian...if you even make the squad i'd be ashamed to know you're competing for my country


Aug 1 2013 4:40PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
I'd rather be a Canadian. They seem to have no issues regarding same-sex marriage, compared to the U.S., but in the U.S. there are only 13 states that allow same-sex marriage. The rest are iffy, or if you live in the deep south, then they are completely hateful to the LGBTQ community. I live in New York, and thank god same-sex marriage is legal in this state, along with the entirety of New England.
Aug 1 2013 4:45PM
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Zimmerman
Posts: 6992 - Karma: 1,021
If it was only being imposed on Russian citizens I wouldn't really care. It's their call no matter how shitty.
(Not to say I still wouldn't protest and have a big problem with Russia, I'm just respecting their right to self-government.)

What does make this a HUGE issue is where they'll arrest international athletes/tourists.

That is an outrage and I can guarantee there will be an international outcry when this becomes more well-known.

Hopefully the IOC threatens to move the games (unlikely). Their Olympic revenue should be more important to them than their hatred and fear.

Can't believe this is even a thing. Fuck bigotry.
Aug 1 2013 4:57PM
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prettygood
Posts: 168 - Karma: 433
the ironic fact about this is that their leader is - seeing the way he represents himself - the gayest person in russia. just look at all of putins half-naked hunting pictures, or vacation or whatnot, that are all published by the government. i mean, i would expect these kinda pictures in gay pin-up calendars, he`s probably struggling with his personality a bit ;)



and more on topic. the suggestion of wearing something rainbow colored seems pretty cool to me :)

http://assets0.ordienetworks.com/images/user_photos/1162081/img141333_width_600x.jpeg
Aug 1 2013 4:58PM
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Jane6
Posts: 5359 - Karma: 4,506
relevant: http://putintheritzon.ytmnd.com/




Aug 1 2013 5:01PM
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.frenchy
Posts: 18221 - Karma: 12,323
You've been here since 2005 and you still don't know that his every post is in caps? Nice.
Aug 1 2013 5:09PM
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Koskinen
Posts: 231 - Karma: 441
Are there any pro, male or female, freeskiers currently competing (not freestyle moguls or aerials) in slopestyle or halfpipe who are openly gay/lesbian? If so, what are your opinions on the issue?
Aug 1 2013 5:39PM
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,826
hahahaha let me guess...mormon? or some other type of crazy religious idiot? i'd bet the house
Aug 1 2013 6:08PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
IMO I think this is a good question to ask any Olympian who is going to the Sochi Olympics in 2014. Seeing that there is six months until the Olympic Games kick off. Also, IMO this seems to be a good poll to ask anyone here on Newschoolers.
Aug 1 2013 6:13PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
exactly. I don't quite see why everyone blew up at tanners comments, he's obviously on the same page as most of the people commenting in this thread. Its fucked how they're dealing with it over there, but I really don't think if someone like Tanner or any other skier in the spotlight publicly (tv etc) comments, the Russian govt would give two shits. you think they care what anyone in Europe/north America says is right or wrong?

Long story short, Russia seems pretty fucked up and I think it's going to take way more than some skier(s) to make more than a ripple in the pond.
Aug 1 2013 6:37PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
what I should add to that, is that IF a large amount of athletes from many countries were to stand up against this, I would hope skiers would be right there with them. but I would be surprised if many of them would want to risk a chance at realizing their dream of an Olympic medal... sad but true.
Aug 1 2013 6:42PM
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.ZT.
Posts: 5679 - Karma: 2,792
No, however an athlete speaking out could be a good platform to bring the issue to light. Most people around the world are unaware of this. If the winning athlete spoke out against it in an interview it could have a large influence.
Aug 1 2013 6:42PM
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luke.smart
Posts: 614 - Karma: 1,730
MAX BERKOWITZ.. GETTING POPULAR
Aug 1 2013 6:43PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
true, but this news is growing quickly, and by the time anyone wins a medal it will be fairly common knowledge I feel like. at least among 1st world informed countries' citizens. plus, tanner isn't even competing. if you know who tanner hall is, chances are you probably have already heard the news/will have by February.
Aug 1 2013 6:51PM
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.squirrely.
Posts: 7563 - Karma: 7,546
closest ive got is b & e
Aug 1 2013 6:56PM
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.ZT.
Posts: 5679 - Karma: 2,792
Fair enough, I just think it would be cool for our community to come out in some kind of support for the people being abused by these Russian laws and oppression. Also, depending on how they plan to treat athletes at the games on the matter, it could be a point of talking for some athletes.
Aug 1 2013 7:05PM
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Tree60
Posts: 1438 - Karma: 4,961
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Aug 1 2013 7:06PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
completely agree. unfortunately however, I suspect that freeskiers complaining about it won't do anything. what needs to happen is leaders of powerful nations formally opposing. unfortunately, that's how wars start... countries forcing their veiws on other countries.
Aug 1 2013 7:09PM
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youRsmellA
Posts: 349 - Karma: 236
The fact that this post got so down voted really shows how young and naive newschoolers is. A bunch of showy trouble caused by over-privileged american athletes will definitely be spun into something negative by the russian government. Change does not come from a few 'famous' people doing something nice, it comes slowly from the accumulation of tiny changes in attitude by entire populations.
Aug 1 2013 7:27PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
Haha that's a bold strategy cotton.

But for real you Life Steeze guys kill it and i'll watch your shit, regardless of what some butthurt internet teens have to say
Aug 1 2013 7:33PM
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youRsmellA
Posts: 349 - Karma: 236
The olympics bring nothing but problems into skiing.
Aug 1 2013 7:35PM
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gups53
Posts: 361 - Karma: 391
Watch at 2:45
Aug 1 2013 7:48PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
It's just that as one who has fought so hard for a group to be accepted (Olympic Freeskiing), I'd thought you would have shown at least some semblance of sympathy to others in a like situation. The comment left me feeling, as one of my friends said, 'not inspired.'
Aug 1 2013 7:49PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
I just created a cult for those of you that are a part of the LGBTQ community, or anyone who supports the LGBTQ community. Here's the link for the cult: https://www.newschoolers.com/cultnews/5473/LGBTQ-Cult
Aug 1 2013 7:52PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
I forgot to mention. This cult is open to the public, anyone can join, but post at your risk.
Aug 1 2013 8:50PM
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207
Posts: 8969 - Karma: 3,846
Most intelligent comment in this thread so far.
Except for Life Steeze Media of course (jokes)

Nick, not only are you an incredible skier, this is honestly an incredibly intellectual, realist statement. What he's saying is so true, and he's reiterating what Tanner is saying.

I'm still curious as to how the IOC agreed upon Sochi, like honestly Russia is far more fucked up than China.
Aug 1 2013 9:20PM
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GuacamoleMane
Posts: 1421 - Karma: 2,013
people need to stop this boycotting of lifesteeze and shit, if u grew up in russia too you would most likely have the same view, Is it wrong? yes obviously but if thats all you experienced you would think it was true.
Aug 1 2013 9:30PM
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De-Clan
Posts: 1920 - Karma: 3,696
I mean we don't really know what it has been like in Russia in years past with the LGBTQ organizations and what kind of support or defiance the people have had to do with all of it, we need to really think about the people of Russia, and what they think, I haven't done any research I read the first and last page and got an idea of what is going on, the government in Russia is different than any kind of government that we are living in. Whenever there has been a past of communism and people like Lenin have been a countries leader, they are fucked for the future. I think we should really think more of why these laws have been put in place instead of judging a book by its cover. That's all I'm saying.
Aug 1 2013 10:18PM
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De-Clan
Posts: 1920 - Karma: 3,696
Just a quick side note, the US did not sed athletes to the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow, just thought its a good thing to know, the US has done boycotts in the past, not saying it will happen but we have done if
Aug 1 2013 10:25PM
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stickski
Posts: 1938 - Karma: 1,529

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

Aug 1 2013 10:41PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
Although I personally believe in gay rights, if it's the law in Russia, it should be obeyed. I am all for protesting and expressing that I disagree, but if the majority of the population disagrees with our view, isn't it just as bad to force homosexuality's legality on them as it is to force it's illegality on a country that accepts gays?
Aug 1 2013 10:50PM
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DizzyG
Posts: 698 - Karma: 296
No, because one allows a group of people to live freely and the other oppresses them.

Refer to any of the above race/slavery analogies for clarification.
Aug 1 2013 10:55PM
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jca
Posts: 4171 - Karma: 6,311
Was it okay when the Nazis rounded up the groups of people they weren't fond of and sent them to concentration camps?

Aug 1 2013 11:24PM
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ArgJib
Posts: 24 - Karma: 95
I hope this gets spread everywhere, In Argentina people doesn't even know about the olympics
Aug 1 2013 11:28PM
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3rik
Posts: 549 - Karma: 1,651
http://www.change.org/petitions/international-olympic-committee-ioc-relocate-the-2014-winter-games-to-vancouver-2
Aug 2 2013 12:03AM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Don't go there....
Aug 2 2013 12:19AM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
Do go there. Ignoring history is the best way to repeat it, and if the russian government decided to try to exterminate all gays, i dont see the russian public trying to do much to stop them.
Aug 2 2013 12:28AM
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