Glitz of Sochi Olympics can’t hide brutality of Russian discrimination

Online gaybashing videos cause outrage

The glitz and glamour of the Sochi Olympic Games can’t hide the brutality of Russian discrimination against LGBT people. Gaybashing videos on YouTube and other social-media sites are causing outrage in the LGBT community as Russia prepares to bask in the limelight.

As the world turns its eye to the Sochi Winter Olympics, Russia’s intolerance is being displayed in videos surfacing on social media sites. The result is what seems to be a groundswell of opposition to the country’s anti-gay legislation and mentality.

With the opening ceremonies just hours away, protests against Russia’s treatment of LGBT people are scheduled across the globe.

In Toronto, a group will gather on Thursday, Feb 6 at Queen’s Park to speak out against Putin and celebrate gay athletes. Protesters plan to wear pink and run in a triangular formation around the park. A separate rally for global gay rights is being organized the same day by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, at 6pm outside the Russian consulate.

The above video is a compilation of clips showing gaybashings in Russia, accompanied by excerpts of interviews with Russian politicians.

Check back to Daily Xtra for coverage of the protests and more on Sochi.

Read More About:
Activism, Video, Power, News, Europe, Ottawa, Toronto, Canada

Keep Reading

U.S. Supreme Court upholds ban on gender-affirming care for minors

ANALYSIS: The ruling in the “U.S. vs. Skrmetti” case sets a new precedent for restrictions on trans rights in America

2025 Pride collections lean heavily into jorts

ANALYSIS: From American Eagle to Target, many of this year’s Pride offerings are bland on bland

Activist groups reportedly gave Alberta list of LGBTQ2S+ books to investigate

ANALYSIS: Action4Canada is calling Alberta’s move to investigate “inappropriate” school library books a “massive win”

Alberta to create standards for ‘age-appropriate’ school library books

Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” and Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” are among the books flagged as “extremely graphic”