SEATTLE (AP) — Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.It has already gotten awkward, with both countries asking for the celebrations to be canceled.Iran, where same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, had separately asked that its games be moved out of the United States because of the war in the Middle East, a request denied by FIFA.Egypt has arrested and prosecuted gays and lesbians on the basis of vague indecency laws, and has cracked down on any outward expressions of Pride, especially the waving of rainbow flags. Those will be out in abundance during the June 26 match and the typically boisterous parades just outside the stadium.
Activists are optimisticBoth countries complained to FIFA in December. Egypt’s football association said it “categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (homosexuality) during the match.” FIFA, whose authority is limited to the stadiums themselves, appears to have brushed off their protests.Leaders in the LGBTQ+ community are hopeful that the match will contribute to positive change.
