London protest would link Sochi, world's anti-gay laws

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

Pride marchers in Brighton, England, on Aug. 2 protested Russia's anti-crackdown along with 76-plus countries' laws against same-sex love. (Photo courtesy of The Brighton Sauna, which sponsored the protest) — Pride marchers in Brighton, England, on Aug. 2 protested Russia’s anti-crackdown along with 76-plus countries’ laws against same-sex love. (Photo courtesy of The Brighton Sauna, which sponsored the protest)

Best wishes to artist/activist Vince Laws, who hopes to stage another face-paint protest of 76-plus countries’ anti-gay laws — this time in London in February during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where the crackdown on LGBT people continues. His proposal on Facebook:

Brighton protesters' faces show their pleas for change in the anti-gay laws of Gaza and Iran. (Photo courtesy of SamCollinsPhoto.com) — Brighton protesters’ faces show their pleas for change in the anti-gay laws of Gaza and Iran. (Photo courtesy of SamCollinsPhoto.com)

I’d like to create BANNED in London in February 2014 to coincide with the Sochi Winter Games (Feb 7-23)… i.e. face paint 76+ people to represent the 76 countries where homosexuality is illegal, plus hopefully a few more so we can include the other dodgy countries like Russia, where it’s not illegal, but human rights are being trashed. I need a venue, and a little bit of funding.

Maybe tie in with an existing LGBT History Month event? Any leads, suggestions, welcome. Kaleidoscope Trust, Peter Tatchell, QX Magazine, GScene Magazine, LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans History Month UK, Boycott 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia. Feel free to share.
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