Winter Olympics and Rainbows

Unless you've been living under a rock, chances are you have heard about the new laws in Russia regarding homosexuality, or as the put it, "non-traditional sexual relations". This political move has naturally flowed into the upcoming winter Olympics. Here is a Wiki link in case you missed anything.

I have and always will support the equal rights of every human being. Being in an interracial marriage, I know all too well the feeling of being discriminated, bullied, segregated and treated unfairly. (Yes, even in 2014, bigotry is still alive and well.)

Same Crap, Different Day

Over on Ravelry, the effects of Russia's new laws can be seen there too. The Ravellenic Games, which are usually greeted with great anticipation, has been fraught with issues. It is hard to separate the game from the politics now surrounding it and in trying to do so, many crafters have felt that their voices are being silenced. Due to hurt feelings and heated arguments many people have bailed out of the Ravellenic Games or have started their own version on another forum.

Yup!

I was torn as what to actually do. This would be the first time that I would have a chance to fully participate in the Ravellenic Games, but at the same time, how could I participate with the censorship now being imposed? I understood the rules set fourth in order to keep the games light, fun and wrapped in rose-colored glasses at all times. But I can't, like many others, shut off reality in the face of something that so blindly smacks in the face of inequality. So I was left thinking I would just have to opt out like so many others. However, what good would that do? How would my non-participation help in any way?

Then I came across this wonderful post from Stephaine, (Ravelry name: Sadbhyl)
Post edited due to length. Feel free to read the full post here: Post #558

 THE RAINBOWLLENICS CHALLENGE

On December 18, President Obama took a stand, quietly, reservedly and yet unequivocal. He will not attend the Sochi Games, and nor will the First Lady, Vice President, or any former Presidents. Instead, he is sending Billie Jean King, celebrated athlete and vocal gay rights advocate, along with other out gay representatives to serve as the face of the United States for these Games. Not all protests need to be boycotts. Some of them are just a matter of showing up and being visible.

And that’s what we can do as well.

The Ravellenic Games here on Ravelry are a non-political event. Considering the range of diversity among the teams and ravaletes participating, this is understandable. For every one of us that stands up against this, there is another player who thinks it’s just dandy. Do they have an all red category for those who support the Russian laws? That way lies madness. The Rav Games didn’t have any choice in the venue and has no control over where they’re played. All they can do is run the Games here the best way they can to be fun for the most number of people.

But for some of us, this is more than a hypothetical. We live with this prejudice in our own lives, and we don’t want to be silent. Some have suggested that we boycott the Rav Games. We could. We can sit out, but then the only ones left playing are the people who either support the laws or don’t care. However, if we play, by their rules, then we can still make our voices heard.

So let’s play.

I challenge the raveletes of the world to create one, just one of your Ravellenic medal projects in a rainbow palette. Whether it’s a gradient shawl or a hand-dyed spin, multicolored granny squares or a woven blanket, choose to make it in honor of those fighting against these repressive laws. If rainbow “isn’t your color”, make it anyway and donate it to a local LGBTQ group as a gift or a fundraising tool. 

Well Stephanie, I've decided to accept your challenge, but I don't just plan on making one item in rainbow colors, I plan to make all my items for the Ravellenic Games in rainbow yarns. I also decided that I will change my Ravatar during the games to the gay pride flag to show my support.

 I hope that my actions, or in this case-my knitting- will speak louder then words.