Gay Champion Car Racer Shows His Rainbow Helmet For The Grand Prix
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| Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton steps out of his car during the first practice session ahead of the Qatari Formula One Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit, in the city of Lusail, on November 19, 2021.ANDREJ |
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British race car driver Lewis Hamilton showcased a LGBT flag on the helmet he’s planning to wear during the 2021 Grand Prix race in Qatar.
Hamilton featuring the Progress Pride Flag, which includes black and brown stripes to honor queer communities of color, alongside the blue and pink stripes representing the transgender community. The is emblazoned with “we stand together.”
, Formula 1’s premier international racing tournament, will be held in Qatar over the weekend. It’s the first time the country will host a Formula 1 race, despite the country facing accusations of human rights violations.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and carries a sentence of several years in jail. The Arab nation is one of almost 70 countries identified by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Assocation that criminalizes consensual same-sex activity, .
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Hamilton was asked about his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Qatar on Thursday.
“I do think as these sports go to these places, they’re duty-bound to raise awareness for these issues and these places need scrutiny and need the media to speak about these things,” Hamilton said.
In 2021, cited Qatar for violations including discriminating against women’s access to health care, as women who are unmarried and pregnant can face punishment for accessing reproductive health care. The advocacy group also cited Qatar for discriminating against undocumented migrants who are trying to access vital health care, and for blocking access for marginalized groups trying to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
Hamilton has a history for speaking out against countries he disagrees with. , he labelled the Hungarian government as, “cowardly,” for its anti-LGBT laws ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.
Without directly mentioning Qatar, Formula 1 also saying it is “committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights in its operations globally.” It went on to say how it would identify and assess any actual or potential human rights harms caused by its own business relationships.
Qatar is also hosting the , even as Amnesty International is to,”live up to its responsibilities to prevent, mitigate and remedy human rights risks connected to the tournament.”
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