Former Mr. Gay Germany makes a statement
Even many die-hard soccer fans are still horrified that the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. Among other things, because the human rights situation in the country is extremely bad and many people suffer under the relevant laws. The fact that the country has been chosen as the venue has already led to many people deciding not to watch the games. Neither on site, nor on TV.
In the course of an undercover investigation, it was even proven, among other things, that many hotel operators refuse to rent their rooms to same-sex couples. These and other details have in the past led to the World Cup in Qatar already being under heavy public scrutiny - even if it is not being played at all yet.
Now, in an interview with ARD, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has been very critical of the venue. She will travel to Qatar - together with former Mr. Gay Germany Benjamin Näßler - to find out about the human rights situation on the ground. The fact that Näßler is flying along is a strong sign. It underlines the visibility of the community.
Qatar, the World Cup and the German Federal Government
Nancy Faeser confirmed in an interview with ARD that the decision in favor of Qatar was indeed a "totally difficult award". On the one hand, she said, the German government is convinced that host countries have to meet a number of criteria - among other things with regard to human rights, but also in connection with the sustainability factor. According to an advance report from WDR, the politicians continue to hold the view that the right to host such an event "is not awarded to such states."
However, she is definitely not the only one who has voiced criticism in this regard. Many people who feel connected to the LGBTQIA+ community, for example, also have strong concerns about the choice of this year's host.
This is not "just" about them worrying that queer fans can become victims of violence on the ground. The general message conveyed by the decision in favor of Qatar is also bitterly offensive. After all, this is a country where women and homosexuals are discriminated against. And also with regard to the security factor, some questions remain unanswered. There have already been fatal accidents involving construction workers on the building sites around the stadiums where the games are to be played.
What do Faeser and Benjamin Näßler want to achieve?
Nancy Faeser and Benjamin Näßler have set out to learn about the human rights situation in Qatar. "Quite incidentally" they will also set a sign. Because: The fact that the former Mr. Gay Germany is there, shows that the community can not be intimidated, but shows presence.
The two also set out to talk to local citizens to find out how they view the current situation around human rights.
Näßler, by the way, is familiar with issues of this kind. He started the initiative "Love knows no pause. The initiative is working to ensure that queer people in Qatar are not discriminated against. Depending on how the situation on the ground turns out, the former Mr. Gay Germany then wants to decide whether he will watch the World Cup or not. And maybe not only him, but also many others who will learn about his experiences afterwards.
Gendering is increasingly becoming an issue with political relevance