New Zealand trans athlete Laurel Hubbard has been selected to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. She will join the New Zealand women’s weightlifting team after qualifying requirements for the games were changed. Hubbard says she is humbled and grateful, but the decision is controversial. While some welcome the move to greater inclusion, there are some who say her participation at the games is unfair for female-born athletes. Last month, Belgian weightlifter Anna Vanbellinghen who is competing in the same category said Hubbard’s inclusion would be unfair for woman and “like a bad joke.” Hubbard has the support of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and the New Zealand government.
UEFA says no to rainbow colours during Euro 2020
European football governing body UEFA has declined a request to light up Munich’s Allianz Arena for a Euro 2020 match between Germany and Hungary. The request had been made by the Munich city council after Hungary passed an anti-LGBTQ law last week. Despite stating they don’t condone any forms of discrimination, UEFA said it is a politically and religiously neutral organisation.
Gay and Lesbian Russians say they aren’t hiding
Despite the Russian government’s anti-gay restriction and the country’s conservative views on LGBTQ people, there are many queer businesses and organisations in the country’s largest cities. The greater openness is started to cause a shift in awareness in these locations. In this article on the NBC News site, several LGBTQ Russians stated they are not hiding and are openly speaking about who they are. After passing what is known as a “gay propaganda law” in 2013, violence against LGBTQ people increased. However, one contributor to the article said tolerance is increasing among younger people.