Tag: Sochi

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Gay Activists Protest Putin’s Anti-LGBT Laws at Final USOC Olympic Event

February 23, 2014

Posted By Melanie Nathan, February 23, 2014. New York, NY (February 23, 2014) — Nearly three dozen members of Queer Nation held a raucous protest at the United States Olympic Committee’s final “Road to Sochi Tour” event at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan on February 23. The action began just as the event began in… More Gay Activists Protest Putin’s Anti-LGBT Laws at Final USOC Olympic Event

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Freedom for Russia & Ukraine D.C. Rally to End the Gulag Olympics & LGBT persecution.

February 22, 2014

By Cathy Kristofferson, February 22, 2014 Today in Washington, D.C. activists are protesting for “Freedom for Russia & Ukraine Rally and End the Gulag Olympics, End LGBT persecution.”  The action was called by Spectrum Human Rights Alliance to support Russian & Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and human rights! This action is also… More Freedom for Russia & Ukraine D.C. Rally to End the Gulag Olympics & LGBT persecution.

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San Francisco to Support Pussy Riot with Protest of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic

February 21, 2014

Gay Pussy Riot Vigil @ Russian Concert: March 3 in San Francisco Source:  Michael Petrelis, February 21, 2014 The St. Petersburg Philharmonic, under the direction of conductor Yuri Temirkanov, will be performing in San Francisco on March 3.   Gays Without Borders are organizing a solidarity vigil outside Davies Hall where they will be performing. Please mark… More San Francisco to Support Pussy Riot with Protest of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic

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Pussy Riot members arrested in Sochi for “theft”

February 18, 2014

“pussy riot members said they came they to Sochi to stage a piece entitled “Putin teaches you how to love the motherland” By Cathy Kristofferson, February 18, 2014 Pussy Riot members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, fresh off their recent media tour with Amnesty International, have been arrested in Sochi, Russia on “theft” of a woman’s… More Pussy Riot members arrested in Sochi for “theft”

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Sochi arrest of former Italian MP waving “Being Gay Is Ok” flag

February 16, 2014

By Cathy Kristofferson, February 16, 2014 February 17 update below… Italian media is reporting that former MP Vladimir Luxuria (the first transgender person to hold that office in Italy), was arrested in Sochi Sunday night after displaying a banner reading “Being Gay is OK’. Earlier in the day, Luxuria had tweeted “I’m in Sochi! Regards with the colors of… More Sochi arrest of former Italian MP waving “Being Gay Is Ok” flag

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Russia passes more anti gay legislation despite Sochi Games

February 13, 2014

By Cathy Kristofferson, February 13, 2014 RIA Novisti is reporting that today Russia introduced measures to further restrict adoptions to people in countries that recognize same-sex marriages. The ban now affects married gay couples and unmarried couples. The timing is beautiful – why let the international focus on Russia of the homophobic Sochi Olympic Games dissuade you… More Russia passes more anti gay legislation despite Sochi Games

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Russia Charges Critical Teen Project Under the Anti-Gay Propoganda Laws

February 11, 2014

Russian teen project gives affirming support and advice to LGBT youth and at risk of closure Melanie Nathan, February 11, 2014. While athletes, and the world celebrate Sochi together with Valdimir Putin, Russian Teens are at great risk. These current charges show just how bad the new Anti-gay law is in Russia. These laws, now… More Russia Charges Critical Teen Project Under the Anti-Gay Propoganda Laws

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Gay Activists Condemn Olympic Political Statement by Out Dutch Athlete

February 10, 2014

Speed Skater and Gold Medal Winner Ireen Wust Boasted in Media Reports of Embracing Vladimir Putin By Melanie Nathan, February 11, 2014. New York, NY (February 10, 2014) — Members of the gay activist group Queer Nation have condemned Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust for having a “cuddle” with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the… More Gay Activists Condemn Olympic Political Statement by Out Dutch Athlete

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San Francisco Mayor Flies Rainbow Flag for Sochi But Ignoring Russia’s Anti-Gay Law

February 10, 2014

Blogger and LGBT activist Michael Petrelis keeps his eye keenly on the behavior of the City of San Francisco and here is his latest report on how Mayor Ed Lee has chosen to ignore our protests and concerns over the Olympics being held at Sochi despite the hate for gays and the anri-gay laws of… More San Francisco Mayor Flies Rainbow Flag for Sochi But Ignoring Russia’s Anti-Gay Law

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The Real Russia Where Gay People Hunted Like Animals A Must Watch BBC Report

February 10, 2014

Support for Sochi Olympics Endorses the Freedom of “Vigilante Gangs to Hunt and Catch Gay People for Sport” Channel 4 and BBC TV went to Russia  and did an in depth documentary on what life is really like being Gay in Russia. Will those crowds sitting cheering on the stands of SOCHI say “we did… More The Real Russia Where Gay People Hunted Like Animals A Must Watch BBC Report

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Caution! Danger! D.C. #CheersToSochi Demo Anti-gay Laws and Sochi

February 9, 2014

By Cathy Kristofferson, February 9, 2014 With the Red Army Choir belting out the Russian Anthem in the background, intrepid activists today protested at the Russian Embassy in D.C.  Signs held read “Love Not Hate. Stop Killing Us”, “Discrimination is Incompatible with Olympics” and Scott Wooledge’s masterful “Silence = Death” on the Russian flag. Caution and… More Caution! Danger! D.C. #CheersToSochi Demo Anti-gay Laws and Sochi

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Gays to protest Sochi Olympic opening at Russian Consulate

January 31, 2014

 GAY PROTESTERS WILL RETURN TO RUSSIAN CONSULATE  | February 6 Queer Nation Demo To Mark Opening of Sochi Olympics Vladimir Putin’s Anti-Gay Laws and State-Sanctioned Anti-Gay Violence at Issue Posted  by Melanie Nathan New York, NY (January 30, 2014) — Members of the gay activist group Queer Nation and others who oppose the Russian government’s… More Gays to protest Sochi Olympic opening at Russian Consulate

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Florida Mayors Urge Putin to End LGBT Discrimination

January 30, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, January 30, 2014 Today, three Florida mayors whose cities have Sister or Friendship City relationships with cities in Russia co-signed a letter to Russian President Vladmir Putin criticizing the anti-gay laws and violence in the country that will host the Winter Olympics at Sochi. Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer… More Florida Mayors Urge Putin to End LGBT Discrimination

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Coca-Cola Deleting enraged LGBT comments from Facebook Page

January 26, 2014

The Most Poorly Timed Social Media Post of All Time! By Melanie Nathan, January, 2014. Coca-Cola is not only a sponsor of the Putin Sochi Games, in homophobic Russia, but has now had the audacity to post ad on Facbook using an equality, love and happiness themed song. The LGBT community around the world is… More Coca-Cola Deleting enraged LGBT comments from Facebook Page

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Chasing Chad

January 23, 2014

Human Rights Campaign’s Chad Griffin Heading to Sochi Olympics or simply playing footsie with the rest of the 1%? This what Michael Petrelis reports on January 23, 2014 on his BLOG at http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2014/01/human-rights-campaigns-chad-griffin.html “Recent history may provide clues about a potential action or two in the near future for the Human Rights Campaign and its new-found… More Chasing Chad

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Russian Gay Activist arrested waving Rainbow Flag at Sochi Olympic Torch Relay

January 18, 2014

By Cathy Kristofferson, January 18, 2014 Russian LGBT activist Pavel Lebedev today jumped out in front of the torchbearer of the Olympic Torch Relay in Voronezh, Russia and waved a rainbow flag. He was of course then tacked by event personnel and handed over to police. The information on social media from @ru_lgbt_teen who tweeted the… More Russian Gay Activist arrested waving Rainbow Flag at Sochi Olympic Torch Relay

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Putin ok with gay Billie Jean King as long as she does not talk to Kids

January 17, 2014

Given this latest slander should Billie Jean King and Brian Boitano resign as delegates to Sochi? By Melanie Nathan, January 17, 2014. Russian media is reporting that gay people should feel comfortable at the Sochi Olympics but “leave children in peace,” a prescription by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a safe and fabulous Sochi Games. Yet… More Putin ok with gay Billie Jean King as long as she does not talk to Kids

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Gay Activists Protest Matt Lauer Today Show

January 16, 2014

Demand Olympic Network Cover Anti-LGBT Oppression in Russia Posted by Melanie Nathan. New York, NY (January 16, 2014) — A dozen members of the gay activist group Queer Nation zapped the broadcast of NBC’s Today Show this morning, demanding that NBC report on the Russian government’s ongoing attacks on gay men and lesbians and other human rights violations. NBC… More Gay Activists Protest Matt Lauer Today Show

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GAY Activists disrupt Brian Boitano NYC Appearance

January 15, 2014

Called a coward by Activists who demand he speak out against Russia’s Anti-LGBT laws when in Sochi By Melanie Nathan, January 15, 2014, Two members of Queer Nation confronted three-time Olympian, figure skater, Brian Boitano tonight, demanding he speak out against Russia’s recently enacted anti-LGBT laws when he represents the U.S. at the Olympics next… More GAY Activists disrupt Brian Boitano NYC Appearance

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Billie Jean King and U.S.A. delegation delivers a victory to Anti-Gay Putin

January 11, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, January 11, 2014. According to Media reports, Billie Jean King believes that standing up to discrimination is the best way to combat it, so she had no hesitation in joining the US delegation for the Sochi Olympics. I submit that it is how one stands up to it that determines the requisite… More Billie Jean King and U.S.A. delegation delivers a victory to Anti-Gay Putin

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U.S. State Department Warns of Danger to Gays in Sochi Olympic Travel Advisory

January 11, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, January 11, 2014. The United States State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans of the dangers in attending the February Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The alert advises Americans about the anti-gay laws where Russia criminalizes so called “propaganda” about homosexuality. Indeed the notice also warns that terrorists have threatened… More U.S. State Department Warns of Danger to Gays in Sochi Olympic Travel Advisory

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LGBT Activists in altercation with Olympic Gold Medalist on Anti-Gay SOCHI

January 11, 2014

Queer Nation & GetEqual Disrupt “Road to Sochi” Events Amid LGBT Safety Concerns By Melanie Nathan, January 10, 2014. Three members of Queer Nation and GetEqual Massachusetts disrupted the opening event of the US Olympic Committee’s Road to Sochi tour stop in Boston, inquiring about the safety of LGBT Olympians, Spectators & Russians. In particular… More LGBT Activists in altercation with Olympic Gold Medalist on Anti-Gay SOCHI

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Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow Sochi Tokens

December 17, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, December 17, 2013 President Obama has chosen the official U.S. delegation to head to the Sochi Olympic Games in Russia. No POTUS, FLOTUS, VPOTUS, or any other OTUS.  However there will be one out athlete at the opening ceremony and another out athlete at the closing ceremony; Billie Jean King and Caitlin… More Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow Sochi Tokens

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LGBT ACTIVISTS CONFRONT NBC FOR MISLEADING ON RUSSIAN COVERAGE

December 13, 2013

We Demand that NBC Speak out now and Tell the Truth About the Plight of LGBT Russians December 12, 2013 (New York) — Charging that NBC is misinforming its viewers about the dire circumstances of LGBT Russians ahead of its broadcast of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia, LGBT activists demanded at a holiday… More LGBT ACTIVISTS CONFRONT NBC FOR MISLEADING ON RUSSIAN COVERAGE

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Gays Protest Putin’s Homophobic Laws at U.S. Olympic Committee SOCHI Launch

October 29, 2013

New York, NY (October 29, 2013) — Two dozen members of Queer Nation interrupted the smooth flow of the opening event of the US Olympic Committee’s Road to Sochi tour, which launched in Times Square today. As the Road to Sochi event began at 12:00 pm with a press conference featuring Olympic and Paralympic athletes,… More Gays Protest Putin’s Homophobic Laws at U.S. Olympic Committee SOCHI Launch

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Olympic Gold Snowboarder Denounces Russian Anti-Gay Law

September 13, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, September 13, 2013. The voices are growing and they are becoming louder and clear and let us hope that this statement by Olympic gold snowboarder, Seth Wescott, who is speaking out against Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law in defense of LGBT athletes, will prompt more athletes to come out against Russia and its… More Olympic Gold Snowboarder Denounces Russian Anti-Gay Law

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New Russian Bill Seeks to Take Biological Children Away From Gays and Lesbians

September 6, 2013

Lesbian Activist Speaks about Russia’s Continued Defiance with worsening New Laws Against Gays and asylum being the only answer By Melanie Nathan, September 06, 2013. A Russian lawmaker has proposed a bill that would deny gay parents custody over their children. The draft bill, published on parliament’s website on Thursday, would make the “fact of… More New Russian Bill Seeks to Take Biological Children Away From Gays and Lesbians

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Putin’s Puppeteers Try to Deflect Attention from Olympic Boycott

August 29, 2013

By Attempting to Divide Russian LGBT Movement | List of Trusted Russian LGBT Activists for Media to call upon By Larry Poltavtsev Since last week in a bizarre fashion a number of known to the foreign media Russian LGBT figures started to make polarizing anti-West statements either using their own broadcasting platforms or even utilizing… More Putin’s Puppeteers Try to Deflect Attention from Olympic Boycott

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Putin’s Anti-gay law causes shocking “Beware of Homosexuals” Notice

August 27, 2013

 Putin’s Anti-gay law provides impetus for building to post shocking notice By Melanie Nathan, August 26, 2013. For those of you who believe the Putin lies, that LGBTI people are safe, can be left alone entitled to privacy, and are not persecuted in Russia under his new law, here is a shocking example. This notice… More Putin’s Anti-gay law causes shocking “Beware of Homosexuals” Notice