Senior Content Editor
When it comes to this year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, few topics have been discussed more than Russia’s anti-LGBT laws. Various organisations and nations have reacted in different ways, but Canada’s response may have just topped the list.
The Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion released their ad in response to the Russian government’s stance on LGBT people in their country. The ad has since gone viral, with thousands round the world sharing it on social networking sites to express their approval, and their agreement.
The ad itself features two male lugers… well, luging. The slow-motion video sees the two men at the start of the luge, where they thrust themselves backwards and forwards simultaneously to generate momentum. And yes, it looks incredibly risqué. Played out to Human League’s wonderful anthem “Don’t You Want Me”, the video finishes with the following played across the screen:
“The Games have always been a little bit gay. Let’s fight to keep them that way.”
The ad has been incredibly popular due to its strong message about unity and acceptance at the Games, but also because it really does look like you’ve happened upon something a little more intimate than a sporting event. The Olympic Charter states:
“The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which require mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.”
The Canadian campaign, amongst others, reminds us of this, that sports are for everyone. In the words of the Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion:
“Let’s fight to keep them that way.”
Hopefully, this message will be seen not only in relation to the Games, but will also act to further acceptance and equality in the wider world.
As for now, well said Canada, well said.
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