SEATTLE – An LGBT match that was supposed to be a celebration of diversity may take on a completely opposite charge at the end of June. The draw of the soccer championship in the USA caused a real problem for the organizers in Seattle.
The plan was clear – until the draw came
The organizing committee in Seattle, USA, prepared a special event for the fans: a duel marked as “Pride match”, dedicated to the support of the LGBT community. Lumen Field, one of the stadiums hosting the World Cup, was to live with rainbow colors, community activities and symbolic gestures that day.
The idea originated in Seattle. It was not a FIFA initiative, but a local project that had a clear date: June 26, before the draw for the tournament even took place.
Inexorable coincidence: two countries where homosexuality is taboo
When the fixture list finally materialized, what had originally been a joyous concept turned into a diplomatic nightmare. The Pride match took place precisely on the Egypt-Iran duel – two countries where homosexuality is either unrecognized or outright criminalized.
In Egypt, although the laws do not address homosexual behavior directly, the rules on “immoral conduct” are often used against LGBT people.
Iran is even stricter: the legislation allows for fines, prison sentences, and in extreme cases even the death penalty.
The original source The Seattle Pride Match Advisory Board reported on the situation through American media.
Two realities in one place
Seattle is preparing a rich accompanying program – rainbow colors in the city, community activities, events to promote equality.
And now the organizers have to deal with the fact that on the day of the Pride match, thousands of fans of countries where homosexuality is condemned or directly punished will be walking the streets.
This created an absurd contrast that no one expected.
Organizers: we will not back down
Despite the unexpected twist, the committee in Seattle confirmed that Pride will not cancel or move the match.
“The event was planned well in advance. We are proud to host it as part of the global football community. Football can bring cultures together and break down barriers.” the organizers told the media.
So the intention is valid – even if the circumstances turned against it in a way that even the screenwriter could not have imagined.
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