The Sochi Debacle: LGBT Intolerance

"No gay propaganda allowed". "We don't really approve of nor like gay people at all." This is basically what the Russian government has been perpetrating leading up to the Sochi Olympics this winter. Yes, in 2014, Olympians from around the world will be subject to hate, discrimination, exclusion and bigotry on one of the world's most diverse stages..Remind me, how did this happen?

Unfortunately, still, in the 21st Century, LGBT people are having to fight for a level playing field on perhaps the most competitive sports stage known to man or woman: the Olympics. Aren't the Olympic rings multiple colors to represent a variety of nations, experiences, ethnic backgrounds, cultures...and umm identities? Isn't the point of the Olympics to bring together the many colors of the sporting world to compete on the same playing surface, and may the best man, women or gender queer person win?

Sochi is not only the fault of the hateful and antiquated Russian government, but moreover that of the International Olympic Committee. After all, the IOC is the governing organization that selects host cities for the Winter Games, and ensures that the Olympic Charter is upheld. So what about Principle 6, which states: "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 Olympics Movement." Well it certainly doesn't explicitly state sexual orientation, but we can assume that is a pretty obvious form of exclusion that still exists. So IOC, what's the deal? Not playing by your own rules?

It's time to step up and demand better. Many solutions have been proposed including an outright protest from pluralistic countries like the United States; however, not showing up will let the haters win. Organizations like Athlete Ally and others have a more peaceful and meaningful approach. Wear symbols that celebrate LGBT diversity. In ways that do not violate the law, let the Russian government know that sports welcome all people. Make them so uncomfortable that they have to realize they are the minority and human rights advocates are the majority. Equality is not something the world will comprise anymore. Wake up Russia and IOC, intolerance is completely intolerable.