Seattle World Cup Pride Meet, a Success Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

A symbolic victory for Seattle, where the local World Cup organizing committee, the LGBTQ+ community and local authorities refused to give in to pressure to cancel the World Cup Pride Match organized on Friday evening. Otherwise, an Iranian fan would not have asked to take a selfie with a man waving a rainbow flag near the Seattle stadium pitch before the Iran-Egypt match, the final group match for the two selections. Nor could four people dressed in tutus, showing their support for the Pride community on a street near the stadium, have claimed that Egyptian and Iranian supporters, from two countries where LGBTQ+ people live under severe constraints, did not molest them. Furthermore, the Chaotic Noise Matching Corps troupe, a group of rainbow-colored percussionists and blowers, could not have enlivened the stage as fans wandered around wearing the red colors of Egypt or the green, white and red of Iran, some even stopping to dance to the rhythm.

Freedom of expression has had a point. Inside the Seattle stadium, rainbow flags, official standards of the Islamic Republic of Iran or those linked to the pre-revolutionary dynasty coexisted peacefully among the 66,925 spectators present in the stands. World football was also growing. Only the World Cup can bring together, ignoring the geopolitical complications, the Iranian standard deployed just before kick-off on a host pitch of a country which, the day before, had launched new measures against its visitors. Above all, the spectators were looking for a great evening of football and they got it. The emotional match ended 1-1. Iran had thought they would score the historic goal that would qualify the national team for the knockout stages for the first time, but the goal was ruled out for a slight offside. A few minutes later, an Iranian header hit the crossbar. After this intense end, it was Egypt who qualified for their first round of 16, with Iran still having to wait for several results on Saturday to have any hope.

For more than two years, the Seattle organizing committee has decided to integrate its annual Pride Weekend into this event. “We emphasize inclusion,” emphasizes Leo Flor, legacy director of the world committee. We really wanted to shine a light on Pride and its celebrations across the city and state, to show the world what makes Seattle special. » During the draw for the World Cup in December, the Egyptian and Iranian federations expressed their reservations about the link with a Pride Match. The Egyptian Federation had sent a letter to FIFA denouncing Pride activities “likely to offend the cultural and religious sensitivities of supporters… in direct conflict with the cultural, religious and social values ​​​​of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies”. The head of the Iranian federation described this initiative as “irrational” and supporting a “certain group”. This week, these two federations declined all interview requests. In a press release relayed by The Athletic, an Iranian spokesperson recalled: “Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries sharing deep cultural and religious affinities; the positions taken by our federations reflect the values ​​and convictions of the people concerned. We demand that no ceremonies or promotional activities related to this movement take place in the stadium or before the match. This position was c

communicated to FIFA through official channels. » (FIFA has, however, allowed Pride flags in the stadium.)

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On Thursday, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei refused to comment on the Pride Match, saying: “What is forbidden by our religion and non-existent, we do not want to talk about it. We focus on the match, football and its beauty. » All these institutional reservations turned out to be excessive. The Pride demonstrations inside and around the stadium did not disrupt the show. The meeting ended in a euphoric atmosphere, with the notable exception of the Iranians, players and supporters, saddened by the result. “I don’t see any chance for my team, because we deserved to win,” confided Iranian defender Ramin Rezaeian, visibly moved. We apologize to our people who deserve more happiness. » The Iranian players left aside any discussion of the Pride experience. “Our religion does not accept it, but we respect all LGBTQ+ members,” declared striker Mehdi Taremi, whose opening penalty was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. It's their idea, it's none of our business, we're here to play football. »

Just over an hour before kickoff Friday, the “designated protest area” outside the stadium was empty. Nearby, a group demonstrated against Israel's actions in Gaza, while moderate tensions were observed between Iranians waving the pre-revolutionary "Lion and Sun" flag - usually critical of the current regime - and supporters favorable to the government. Pride spread joy.

Earlier in the day, a Trans Pride parade in Volunteer Park, a few miles away, honored small businesses, associations and artists promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in Seattle. Many hoped that this World Cup Pride Match — the source of controversy and global headlines since the announcement of participants Egypt and Iran — would keep its promise. “It doesn't matter if you're in the United States or elsewhere, and you don't feel accepted or safe to live your truth, this is an opportunity to see that there is a community ready to welcome you,” explained Nakita Venus, executive director of the Seattle LGBTQ+ Center. Every person deserves to be themselves. Being queer or trans is a gift that must be honored. »