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Olympics Sparks Homophobic Commentary in Russia

This year's Olympics have brought new levels of representation for LGBTQ+ athletes, particularly as the first trans athletes such as Laurel Hubbard compete. However, it hasn't all been upsides: Russian state television has taken to using disparaging language when commentating over the events.

Describing LGBTQ+ athletes as "abominations" and "perversions", several talk shows on pro-Kremlin networks have been dedicated to discussing the appearance of LGBTQ+ athletes. In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it is complaining to the official Russian broadcaster with their concerns, saying that "Discrimination has absolutely no place at the Olympic Games."

Openly gay athlete Tom Daley and transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard drew particular criticism on Rossiya 1, a state broadcaster. Russian Parliamentarian Alexei Zhuravlyov appeared as a panellist to say that gay people "disgusted" him.

"We stand opposed to all this smut and perversion, strongly opposed," he told the show, pointing at the studio screen which showed Hubbard.

"We stand against this abomination," he shouted. At one point, Zhuravlyov used an offensive Russian word to describe gay men.

"I do not think transgender people have any prospects in Russia, because they love men, while Russian men love women," said Spiridon Kilinkarov, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament.

Rather than correct them or address their language, the host Olga Skabeyeva went on to suggest the EU was punishing Hungary and Poland because the majority of people there are against homosexuality. 

Over on Russian Channel One, male presenters wore wigs to mock transgender athletes, before launching an attack calling transgender people "psychopaths" in need of psychiatric help.   

Read related myGwork articles here:

Gold Olympian Caster Semenya Blocked From Defending Medal Unless She Takes Hormones

Gender Testing in Sport: What the Caster Sumenya Ruling Means

IOC Admits Guidelines For Trans Athletes Are Not Fit For Purpose



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