England will travel to the World Cup on a “Pride jet” as a sign of support for the LGBT+ community

England will travel to the World Cup on a “Pride jet” as a sign of support for the LGBT+ community

England team to fly in a "Pride Jet"

The 26-person England National Team will fly on the Virgin Atlantic A350 named “Rain Bow.” Under the plane’s cabin, there is a motif of Oscar, Virgin’s LGBTQ+ mascot who dons rainbow-colored laces.

Since being selected as the host nation for the competition, Qatar’s severe anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which forbid unmarried women and men from living together, have drawn attention. According to World Cup organisers, anyone is welcome to attend “without fear of any form of penalties,” regardless of sexual orientation.

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However, one official issued a warning that rainbow flags might be seized to shield supporters from attacks for supporting gay rights. In a show of defiance, England chose to board the “Rain Bow” when the US Men’s National Soccer team likewise gave homophobia a blatant red card. The squad’s rainbow-colored team logo is displayed at their training facilities in Ar-Rayyan to show their support for the LGBTQ community. 

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England National Team stands with the LGBT Community:

England v Hungary: UEFA Nations League - League Path Group 3
England Football team

Amnesty International reports that human rights violations in Qatar “persist on a significant scale” as the World Cup approaches. Many football supporters have made the decision to abstain from watching any of the games in protest of the tournament.

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Lotte Wubben-Moy, a defender for both England and Arsenal, has stated she will not watch the men’s World Cup due to Qatar’s laws, which make homosexuality a capital offense and stated: “I personally will be supporting the men’s team, but I won’t be watching. I think it’s hard to talk about. But at the end of the day, we’re one team here in England and we know that they have an opportunity to play at a World Cup. It’s hard to look beyond that really.”

Earlier, new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also extended his support for LGBT Community by sending the most senior homosexual minister in the government.

Also Read: England Government set to send their ‘most senior Gay minister’ with Qatar World Cup delegation in support of LGBT community: Reports