A two-minute video imagining what life could be like for gay and lesbian athletes at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia has gone viral. The short film “Love Always Wins,” produced by the non-profit group All Out in November, gives the viewer an idea of what competing in Russia may feel like through the eyes of a lesbian figure skater as she endures the country's anti-gay “propaganda” laws.
All Out, whose stated purpose is to “mobilize people around the world through social networking,” has been extremely active in last few months in its effort to pressure the Russian government and the International Olympic Committee to speak out and stand by its Olympic principles of non-discrimination.
“Love Always Wins,” which has been viewed more than 150,000 times in the first 48 hours is just the latest aspect of an ongoing campaign calling on the IOC to demand that anti-gay laws are repealed before the 2014 Sochi Games commence. In August, All Out members delivered more than 300,000 signatures to the IOC headquarters urging them to speak out against Russia’s propaganda law, and last month hired trucks to circle the Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta with billboards urging the Olympic sponsor to call for a repeal of the law.
In releasing the latest video, the group is hoping to bring more people into the conversation regarding the current LGBT oppressive legislation in Russia ahead of the 2014 Olympic games.
“Russia’s law makes it unclear whether public displays of affection,
coming out on television by mentioning an athlete’s loved one, or even hugging your partner after winning the gold medal could result in fines or deportation,” Andre Banks
All Out’s Executive Director and Co-Founder said. “Putin would like us to think gays and lesbians are welcome during the Olympics, but no one will feel safe and welcome while this law is in place.”
Watch the video below:
All Out is asking people to support the project by sharing with their friends with the hashtag #LoveAlwaysWins
