Johnny Weir: I’m prepared to be arrested at Winter Olympics

[kpete]

Johnny Weir: If I'm arrested in Russia, so be it



Gay Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir has said that he does not plan to campaign for LGBT rights or even openly kiss his Russian-born husband at the games in Sochi, but that he is prepared to be arrested by Russian authorities. The flamboyant athlete and reality TV star told CBS News that he is uncertain whether he will even be allowed into the country to compete.

“In Russia, just the sheer fact that you could be gay, you can get arrested, fined, and it’s a terrible thing to even think of,” Weir said. “Myself, even, just walking down the street, going to get Starbucks in the morning, and somebody could arrest me just because I look too gay.”

Russia has found itself increasingly out of step with the rest of the world because of its regressive attitude toward LGBT people. Russian officials like St. Petersburg’s Vitaly Milanov have passed laws in the country outlawing “homosexual propaganda,” a blanket term that means any depiction of same sex relationships that does not paint them as abhorrent and anomalous. Russian youth have engaged in a campaign of torture and murder of LGBT teens.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57597638/johnny-weir-if-im-arrested-in-russia-so-be-it/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/10/gay-skater-johnny-weir-im-prepared-to-be-arrested-at-winter-olympics/

[femmocrat]

1. As I said in a previous post, it is highly unlikely that he will be there to "compete."

He might attend as a commentator or to grab some of the spotlight, but his Olympic days are behind him.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

3. We don't know yet. It all depends on the field of competitors.

If he finishes first or second in the Nationals in January, he would go. Chances are slim though. He's only 29 and probably more determined. Apparently Hurricane Sandy screwed up his training last year. It'll be interesting to see how he meets this challenge, which isn't about him as it is a statements about LGBT rights.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

2. He has a Russian husband. Quite the banner couple if you ask me.

This is the way to expose intimidation and threats from Russia to the LGBT community.