***In reference to this article – LGBTQ stands for: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer.
Russia and Vladimir Putin have a lot to answer when they legislated their anit-gay propaganda law. In doing so – they have given permission to their citizens to harass and bully the LGBTQ community and it is happening. There has been recent news out of Russia about human rights atrocities being committed against gay citizens, tourists and straight people and it is because of policies like this. Uganda has officially declared that their LGBTQ citizens are lesser than those who are heterosexual when they introduced their “Kill The Gays” bill. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Lucretia Simpson-Miller, has indicated that she will investigate the deaths and hate-crimes that their LGBTQ community faced and has done nothing since, even in light of the recent murder of a 17-year old gay teen – who was beaten, searched and chopped after individuals at a party found out he was dressed as a woman. Many politicians and religious leaders hide behind their religious beliefs to incite their bigotry, ignorance and hate which in turn allows their citizens to bully and harass their LGBTQ citizens.
These atrocities (especially in Russia), are getting much publicity and many people are speaking out. Many gay clubs around the world are boycotting Russian vodka and asking gay athletes not to participate in the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Many have questioned if boycotting Russian products would be an effective way of protesting the human rights issues in Russia. According to an article by John Aravosis on AMERICAblog called Boycotts 101: Why the gay boycott of Russian vodka is already working, apparently yes, it is effective. Here is the link to the article:
http://americablog.com/2013/07/why-boycott-russian-vodka-stoli.html
Until these countries make an effort to stop these human rights atrocities, it is up to everyone else in the world to give them a clear message that these atrocities are not acceptable and must stop. I encourage this boycott and many others like it – until Russia, Uganda, Jamaica and so many other countries stop inciting violence against those who don’t conform to what they deem is ‘normal’.
I believe that LOVE wins in the end and I also believe that……..
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 