Regarding the Olympics...

[Behind the Aegis]

Whether you favor an all out boycott or another course of action, I sincerely hope that every gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied athlete or spectator (no matter their country of origin) carries or wears the following during the Olympics:



--OR--





If not, then armbands with the pink/black triangles from the days of the Nazis. Personally, I think that would carry more of a punch, but the above would also work.

[Downwinder]

1. Let "everybody" wear one.

[agracie]

2. Excellent idea ...

[Downwinder]

3. It is the winter Olympics, everybody needs a pin.

Participants and spectators alike.

[One_Life_To_Give]

4. Reality Break

Putin has to be careful in harassing IOC members, athletes and trainers. Spectators in and around the Olympic venues may be somewhat safe from officials but still need to be careful. Outside of those area's Putin may decide to make a show for domestic consumption. "The brave leader standing up to the western imperialist bullies."

I would think along with the above a few Rainbow flags during the parade of nations would send the message. But deny the Gov't the opportunity to present themselves domestically as the "righteous defenders" of Russian values. Practically I am not sure we could do much more without making life worse for our Russian brothers and sisters.

[pinto]

5. Love the idea of a gay themed take on the Olympic logo, especially on opening ceremonies.

The world watches that segment of the games more than any other, I'd guess. A good venue / opportunity to make a statement of support.

I'm iffy on the use of a Nazi era display. There's got to be a visceral national memory of the suffering Russians endured among others in Europe in that time. Stalingrad, the Russian Winter, etc. They weren't targeted as systematically and ruthlessly as religious, ethnic and sexual groups during the holocaust. But Nazi terrorism didn't exclude them. The armband would be a pointed statement. Yet likely counterproductive.

In any event, I hope some kind of public display takes place. Russian authorities don't get a pass on their bigotry.

[MNBrewer]

6. The IOC doesn't give a shit about the plight of homosexuals in Russia

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/news/20130805/ioc-olympics-sochi-russia-anti-gay.ap/

They just want a drama-free, shiny TV spectacle! After that, who cares what Vlad does?

[dickthegrouch]

7. The blue, orange and red rings should contain the words

"Support all Athletes"

I don't see why the pink triangle armband would be counter-productive, we're making the point that the new Russia is as bad as the defeated Germany. Just as many think the US is becoming the new East Germany with its surveillance and internal spying programs, Russia is going the way of the fascists. Anything to override the propaganda of the State and make people think for themselves has to be good, IMHO.