Exclusive: World Cup fans should wave rainbow flags at Russian stadiums, says leading activist

Football fans should “feel free” to wave rainbow pride flags during the World Cup in Russia, a leading activist has said.

Joe White, who runs campaigns for Pride in Football, emphasised that supporters should only promote the LGBT cause if they feel safe, but added that the World Cup represented an unprecedented opportunity in the country.

Last week, the UK Government responded to criticism from Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this month by finally providing fans with LGBT guidance.

The Government has warned that in Russia, “public attitudes towards LGBT+ people are less tolerant than in the UK,” before directing supporters to advice published by the Football Supporters’ Federation.

England fans clash with Russian fans (Carl Court/Getty)

The FSF’s guide “strongly” warns queer fans not to “publicly display sexuality” – for instance by holding hands or being affectionate towards their partner – at the World Cup, to ensure their safety.

White revealed on May 28 that Pride in Football has received death threats which have been reported to the police, with some telling the group that “if they find us they’ll stab us.”

But speaking to PinkNews, he called the FSF’s guide “overly cautious” and encouraged fans in Russia to make the most of a rare chance to promote LGBT visibility in Russia with the world watching.

(DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty)

“If you’re comfortable having a rainbow flag, then definitely feel free to do so,” said White.

“It’s definitely something I’m going to be doing.

“I’m going out to Russia and I’ll be out there, and visible. I’m someone who when I say something’s a good idea, I’ll do it myself.”

(MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty)

The 25-year-old, who hopes to attend three matches at the World Cup, said that the sight of Pride colours in World Cup stadiums would fight back against repeated claims by Russian authorities that there are no gay people in the country.

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