John Dwyer points out that “LGBT athletes didn’t choose their sexuality, but we can give them the choice to make their stand.”
If you follow this blog or follow the news at all, by now you’ve probably read about the Olympic controversy. Russia, the host for the 2014 Olympic Games, recently took a huge step backwards and enacted laws that allow for the arrest of individuals based on their sexuality. Since Russia has declared sexuality a crime, the IOC has declared it a political stance. My excitement about the prospect of a political party that takes teabagging to a new level aside, this is completely ridiculous.
I expect the clamoring for a boycott of the Olympics will increase after the latest announcement. There have already been quite a few articles on the pros (don’t give Russia revenue) and cons (support LGBT athletes who have trained so hard) of a boycott and I haven’t seen a definitive solution. So why not let the athletes decide?
The athletes are the ones who will be standing on the podium during the medal ceremony, ultimately alone at the peak of their athleticism. If they make the choice to compete and risk incarceration or disqualification, then let’s support them. If they choose to boycott, then again, let’s support them. Spectators should spectate, not make decisions for athletes.
If Russia and the IOC believe being gay is a choice, then let’s actually give gay athletes a choice to make.
Photo: AP File/Ignat Kozlov
