Could wearing a rainbow armband on the World Cup pitch in Qatar cost you a yellow card, a career or worse? It is a risk that players do not run, according to the wishes of Fifa.
To wear or not to wear rainbows at the World Cup in Qatar
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England consultant Alex Scott, who covers the event for the BBC, dared to wear the One Love symbol during the England-Iran match.
The unease around rainbows continues, this time led by former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt. He attended the Denmark-Tunisia match on November 22, 2022 wearing a white suit with rainbow sleeves. A strong gesture, which many read as an act of courage.
“Does appearing in the colors of the rainbow really help gays in Qatar? »
To which Helle Thorning-Schmidt replied on Instagram:
“He said dressed as a World Cup. Thanks to each of you for your nice comments. I really appreciate that, even though I didn’t feel particularly brave. Two things I thought about though.
First, the outfit was not a commentary on the players. I support their choice not to risk penalties, it could not in any way hinder their progression in the tournament and I think that everyone should at least understand that this is a real dilemma. Honestly, I don’t understand the heavy press that the Danish team and the Danish football federation are receiving right now. They have tried so hard to do the right thing and are so isolated at FIFA.
Secondly, I thought about whether showing up in rainbow colors really helps gay men and women in Qatar. What if he makes matters worse by cracking down on the Qatari government against them? I don’t know the answer, but doesn’t that show us that nothing is binary, just good or just bad? Everything has two faces and dilemmas are what life is all about, let’s be kind to each other. »
It may sound like a message from Miss Universe, but it is true that many local LGBTI+ activists are asking Westerners to show less performative interventionism on the subject. This is turning more and more into a rainbow-chasing game: who will be caught and who will be powerful and influential enough to be spared by Qatari law enforcement wearing a rainbow ? While for local queer youth it is a matter of life and death, not just a symbol of the weather of a football game.
A photo credit: Instagram screenshot
Source: Madmoizelle
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
