Last night, President Obama spoke with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show and shared his frustration with anti-LGBT laws like those in place in Russia as the Sochi Winter Olympics grow closer. Celebrities including George Takei, Kerry Washington, Lady Gaga and Stephen Fry have spoken out against Russia's anti-LGBT laws recently.
It's time to move the Olympics out of Russia. Here are my thoughts. RT if you agree! http://t.co/MA3UB17LLK
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 6, 2013
My Open Letter to @Number10gov@sebcoe&@IOCMedia. Can we let the new fascist Russia host an Olympiad? http://t.co/lucHtvGnGU#BoycottSochi
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 7, 2013
Out actors George Takei and Stephen Fry have both penned moving letters calling for the Olympics to be moved to a different host city. Musicians Lady Gaga and Madonna, who are both currently being investigated in Russia for "violating their tourist visas" when they held concerts there last year where they spoke out against Russia's anti-LGBT laws.
Sending bravery to LGBTs in Russia. The rise in government abuse is archaic. Hosing teenagers with pepper spray? Beatings? Mother Russia?
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
The Russian government is criminal. Oppression will be met with revolution. Russian LGBTs you are not alone. We will fight for your freedom.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
Why didn't you arrest me when you had the chance, Russia? Because you didn't want answer to the world?
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
Actresses Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Sophia Bush (Partners) commented on Twitter recently.
#equality RT @allout: IOC: all Olympians are equal, all love is equal - even as #Russia cracks down on #LGBT rights: http://t.co/2dSSQ65Els
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) August 6, 2013
What is going on in Russia is HEART BREAKING. #LGBT 36 Photos From anti-gay Russia That Everyone Needs To See... http://t.co/iT2TKB0QHO
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 1, 2013
GLAAD is cooperating with several coalition partners on the Russian anti-LGBT laws and the Olympic Games. We are working with several Russian and Russian-speaking LGBT advocates to bring the stories of LGBT Russians to an American and international audience. We will also work with media outlets to ensure that coverage of the Olympics includes the backdrop of the anti-LGBT laws. By increased scrutiny and attention, we can protect LGBT people in Russia and around the world.