In the midst of preparing for the 2022 Worlds, the United States men’s team has found an original way to show its support for the LGBTQ+ community. A rainbow-colored logo now adorns its training center in Qatar.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar and theoretically even punishable by death. The host nation has come under regular human rights criticism in the run-up to the World Cup, which is taking place in a Middle Eastern country for the first time.
The American team has decided to display in its training center a new logo with seven vertical stripes in the colors of the rainbow, under the letters USA in dark blue letters.
Sports commentator and author of books on homosexuality in sport Cyd Zeigler shared the logo in question on Twitter in delight at the announcement.
I’m so proud of the United States for using a Pride rainbow USA logo in Qatar at the #WorldCup.
American sports have lead the world on #LGBT inclusion, and that continues here.
Proud to be an American. ????️????????????https://t.co/xWse3tztco
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) November 14, 2022
The rainbow-colored logo is part of the initiative Be The Change which Team USA adopted in 2020 with the aim of inspiring action on social justice issues, reports Reuters.
“When we are on the world stage and in a place like Qatar, it is important to raise awareness about these issues and that is the goal of Be the Change “said Gregg Berhalter, the team’s coach, at a press conference on Monday.
“It’s not just in the United States that we want to draw attention to social issues, it’s also abroad. We recognize that Qatar has made progress and there has been a ton of progress, but there is still work to be done. »
However, the rainbow colored badge will not be worn by players during the competition. But US-run venues, such as the team hotel, media spaces and parties, will feature US Soccer’s rainbow branding.
Criticized for their silence, the French also take a stand
The 2018 world champions for their part have remained rather discreet on the subject so far, arousing criticism from many NGOs, reports The world.
In a press conference on Monday, team captain Hugo Lloris assured that the French would not remain indifferent to the issue of human rights. “These are subjects on which we cannot remain insensitive,” said the goalkeeper.
But the captain won’t end up wearing a rainbow-colored armband, as originally envisioned. “I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect for it,” said the main interested party.
The players finally announced today that they will financially support NGOs working for the protection of human rights, thanks to a Generation 2018 endowment fund.
In a collective letter shared on Instagram, the Blues declared their “commitment to respect for human rights” and their “refusal of any form of discrimination. »
The question of human rights, whether that of workers, members of the LGBTQ+ community or even women, has regularly made headlines since the conservative emirate was designated to host the world soccer competition. Several qualified countries, such as Australia and Denmark, have recently positioned themselves on the issue.
Two weeks ago, the Canadian Soccer Association joined a campaign advocating for more rights for workers and the LGBTQ+ community.
“We believe that one of the legacies of this tournament should be to inspire and encourage further improvements in this area, not only in Qatar, but across the region,” the Canadian federation said in a statement.
Safety Concerns
Several concerns remain about the safety of visitors to the sporting event this year, including LGBTQ+ people and women. One and a half million soccer fans from around the world are expected to attend the competition which will be held from November 20 to December 18.
Last week, a former Qatari player and “ambassador” for the 2022 World Cup called homosexuality “mental damage”, in an interview on a German public broadcaster.
Worlds organizers have reiterated that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or background, is welcome to attend the event.
In an interview shared on Twitter, Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser al Khater even said that two people of the same sex walking together hand in hand had nothing to fear. However, he asked supporters to respect the local culture.
???? “Everybody is welcome here, and everyone will feel safe.”
Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al-Khater on migrant workers, rainbow colored armbands, and safety during the World Cup pic.twitter.com/RHwH54hE4k
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 13, 2022
Furthermore, Internet users from almost everywhere on the planet have also expressed their discomfort before positions defending LGBTQ+ people and believe that these issues should not be about sport.