SOCHI, Russia — The pseudo-lesbian Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. is performing at the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, with a song about two schoolgirls in love.
It’s a curious choice for Friday’s event, designed to showcase Russia to the world just as many activists and world leaders are angry over a Russian law against gay rights “propaganda.”
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Konstantin Ernst, the ceremony’s director, said the choice was about motivating athletes with an upbeat dance song that challenges competitors by saying “you’re not going to get us.”
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While the singers put on a “lesbian act,” they are not championing gay rights — the performance is largely seen as an attention-getting gimmick that contrasts with the very real anger over a Russian law banning gay “propaganda” aimed at minors that is being used to discriminate against gays.
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