Protests Against Russian and Its Olympics Opening Dialogues About Its LGBT Community
After many years of protesting by the small but active lgbtq activist community, the international community is finally taking notice of human rights abuses and homophobic laws and prejudices rampant in the chilly country. A lot of it has to do with momentum around the Olympics, and the potential effects (or not) that protests will have.
It started when activist and author Dan Savage called for gay bars and supporters to boycott Russian vodkas, specifically the most prominently known Stolichnaya, or Stoli, Vodka. Since then, bars in West Hollywood, Chicago, NYC, and elsewhere have pulled Stoli from their shelves, dumped it into the streets, and are refusing to sell any more until the political situation changes abroad.
The Russian LGBT Network, on their Facebook page tells lgbt supporters, “Do not boycott the Olympics—boycott homophobia!” by exercising their freedoms of expression and to not censor beliefs or actions just because of the actions of the government. To openly disagree with Russian policies would send a stronger message activists said. They point to the 1968 Olympic games where although many boycotted the event, all that is remembered is Tommie Smith’s and John Carlos’ “human rights salute” on the podium to stand in solidarity for those fighting for equality and human rights.
Read more at gayagenda.com

LGBT groups hold protest against Coca-Cola for its sponsorship of Olympics in Russia.
Coca-Cola was poured into the street and Coke cans were crushed in Times Square today to protest the soft drink giant’s sponsorship of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Queer Nation and other LGBT groups accuse Coca-Cola of sponsoring hate because of Russia’s controversial anti-gay propaganda law that has been casting a shadow over The Games for months now.
Read more at gaystarnews.com