Seattle’s stadium is expected to be filled with rainbow flags on Friday for a World Cup match between teams representing two of the most repressive countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Seattle’s Inclusivity on Display

The city’s ‘Pride Match’ has come under fire from Iran and Egypt, with both countries complaining to FIFA about the celebrations. However, Seattle officials and its soccer community see this as an opportunity to showcase the city’s inclusivity.

Jess Fishlock, captain of the National Women’s Soccer League club Seattle Reign, said this is what the World Cup is all about. ‘I don’t think there is a sport that has a global event that creates unity and diversity and a bringing together of so many cultures quite like the World Cup,’ she told The Associated Press.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Iran, where gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, while Egypt has prosecuted gay and lesbian people and suppressed outward expressions of gay pride, including rainbow flags.

FIFA’s Stance

FIFA treats the rainbow flag as a statement of human rights and will allow fans to wave it inside the stadium, according to Hana Tadesse, a spokesperson for Seattle’s World Cup organizing committee.

The match on Friday coincides with Seattle’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and Pride watch parties are planned in some neighborhoods. Over the weekend, the city will hold its popular Pride parade.

Ilona Lohrey, president and CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association, an LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, described Seattle as one of the most inclusive cities in the country. ‘I think it gives us an opportunity to showcase who we are as a city, who we are as a people, and how diversity makes us stronger,’ Lohrey said in an interview.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.