Grab someone's hand in solidarity with gay Russians New Zealanders are being asked to show solidarity with gay Russians by getting their photo taken while holding hands with someone of the same sex at the Big Gay Out on Sunday. It’s part of the Same-Sex Hand-Holding Initiative (SSHHI) where everyone from athletes to media and vendors at the Sochi Winter Olympics is being asked to take every opportunity to hold hands with a person of the same sex. Konstanin Yablotskiy from the Russian LGBT Sports Federation and Pride House International was instrumental in organising the initiative. “Long after the 2014 Olympics, we in Russia will continue to live under this horrible law. For a few weeks we have the opportunity to bring the attention of the world to the situation in Russia," he says. “The Same-Sex Hand-Holding Initiative enables everyone to get involved with a simple yet iconic gesture. We know from gestures like Usain Bolt’s lightning stance the impact of such images that are simple, replicable, and identifiable”. The New Zealand action at this Sunday’s Big Gay Out is being organised by sports, human rights and culture network GLISA Asia Pacific at a stall it’s co-hosting with representatives from the upcoming Darwin Outgames. Their booth will be a ‘Remote Pride House’ where pictures will be taken of people holding hands and holding up the SSHHI placard as a sign of solidarity with the initiative. The photos will then be posted on the SSHHI photo blog launched by Pride House International. Let the organisers know you want to take part on Facebook here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 5th February 2014 - 10:57am