Lewis Hamilton is one of the key activists in Formula 1 and he has never been shy or afraid of evoking sentiments among people through his messages or his race symbols whenever he deems necessary. As a man of color himself Lewis has always advocated equality among people.
LGBTQ+ rights are a major issue in Qatar and Lewis Hamilton is one of the first to stand up to it and speak against it in the F1 paddock. Lewis has been an ally and Mercedes fully supports his endeavors by celebrating pride month and equivocating LGBTQ+ rights.
Lewis Hamilton to wear rainbow helmet in Qatar GP once more
When Formula 1 first raced in Qatar during 2021, Lewis was the first to wear a pride helmet during the race weekend to stand against the discriminating laws prevalent in the gulf country against the LGBTQ+ community. He was later on joined by Sebastian Vettel too.
Lewis Hamilton decided to protest the unfairness against LGBTQ+ people by using his helmet in rainbow colors, i.e., the pride flag which showed that he supports pride as an ally and doesn’t think highly of the laws.
Lewis Hamilton is about to do it again this weekend as the Formula 1 Qatar GP returns to calendar and Lusail International Circuit appears as a sprint weekend this year. This has been confirmed by Fastest PitStop who also mentioned that during the Fifa World Cup held in Qatar during 2022, the display of rainbow flag was contentious point.
How do LGBTQ+ rights currently stand in Qatar?
The people of pride often face discrimination due to their choices throughout which many countries even banning such activities through criminal and offensive laws. The world has slowly started accepting LGBTQ+ people but Qatar is among the few countries who do not think of them highly.
As the situation stands currently, the laws in Qatar indicate that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people will have to face legal prosecution if found guilty. The country prevents relationship between same sex with heavy punishment including three years in prison for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Abuse such as beatings and torture, and forced “conversion therapy” have also been used by police and other authorities. There is no explicit corresponding prohibition of consensual sex between women, although sharia disallows sexual activity outside of marriage.
In this current world when we have LGBTQ+ people equally treading grounds with heterosexual people and there are no differences considered while distribution of opportunity to each, do you think such kind illicit laws are valid as imposed by Qatar?
