This Week: Online reactions to the Colorado shooting and further protests from FIFA players and fans

Photo retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4811294/germany-players-cover-mouths-in-team-photo-amid-onelove-armband-row

After the deadly shooting at a gay club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the tone from anti-LGBTQ and pro-gun pundits and politicians is noticeably darker than in previous incidences of gun violence or hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. Rather than an outpouring of comments for “thoughts and prayers,” the feeds are noticeably more hostile to the LGBTQ+ victims – with many online personalities justifying the shooting and calling for continued violence.

After FIFA threatened sanctions against seven European soccer teams who signaled they would wear armbands promoting diversity and tolerance, the German soccer team opted to cover their mouths in protest in a photo before their game against Japan. Many athletes are protesting the brutal and inhumane treatment of LGBTQ+ residents and guests by Qatari authorities, as well as the slavery-like kafala system used to construct the World Cup facilities in rapid time. A protester also rushed the field during the match between Portugal and Uruguay, carrying a pride flag and wearing a shirt that read “”respect for Iranian women” and “save Ukraine.”

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