Sebastian Vettel on speaking out as an LGBTQ+ ally: ‘Everyone has the same right to love’

Last updated on 36 minutes ago36 minutes ago.From the section Formula 1 Even by Formula 1s dramatic standards, the recent Hungarian Grand Prix was a thriller yet an image captured before it began may prove its biggest legacy. There was another moment that made headlines around the world, though. During the pre-race national anthem ceremony, Sebastian Vettel sported a Pride shirt in protest against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation brought in by Hungarys government. In a special episode of the BBCs LGBT Sport Podcast, the four-time world champion explains why he decided to take a stand, and the difference he hopes it will make. I wasnt nervous or embarrassed by the rainbow colours, or of what people think, Vettel says. I wanted to send a message, and I was very proud to do it. It doesnt matter who you fall in love with Vettels decision was not an impulsive one. The Aston Martin driver knew that Formula 1 would be heading to Hungary this summer, and that the countrys government was widely seen as hostile to the LGBTQ+ community, passing a law earlier this year banning the promotion of homosexuality and transgender issues in schools. In the weeks before the grand prix, the European Parliament voted in favour of taking legal action against the new law; Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban responded by saying school policy was a matter for his country, not Brussels bureaucrats. I remembered Id seen in the news that the current government doesnt have the most progressive views on certain things, Vettel says when he speaks to the BBC via a Zoom call. There was a lot of debate about the laws that prohibit access to all ages getting a wholesome education and leaving some parts out, which I think is completely wrong. So the idea was born that we have this moment before the race where we are able to put out certain messages, and I thought it was a good opportunity to send out a small sign. Thats exactly what the German did. There was a rainbow sweeping up the side of his trainers and across his racing helmet; a Pride-coloured face mask as he walked around the track; and that T-shirt bearing the message: Same Love. Its the name of a beautiful song by Macklemore, and I think it explains in a nice way some of the wrong perceptions people have, Vettel says. It doesnt matter your skin colour, it doesnt matter your background, it doesnt matter where you come from, it doesnt matter who you fall in love with. In the end, you just want equal treatment for everybody. It meant a lot to me Vettels actions resonated with Matt Bishop, Aston Martins chief communications officer, a veteran of the F1 world, and a founder-ambassador for the Racing Pride group. external-link I joke that, when I arrived nearly 30 years ago, I was the only gay in the F1 village, says Bishop. Now Im not that, but LGBTQ+ people in Formula 1 are still a rarity. So to have someone like Seb, who is a straight man who completely understands that one should be able to live and let live, and love and make love to whoever you like, is very heartening. Its what we call allyship, and as I said to Sebastian, it meant a lot to me. Following Vettels actions in Hungary, messages of support came in from across the LGBTQ+ community as well as from Lewis Hamilton, who posted a message on Instagram promising to join you next time with the same shirt. I was surprised it was so much of a big deal, Vettel admits. Ideally, there wouldnt be any reaction because its just normal. There are countries still arguing about whether gay marriage should be legal or not legal. I think theres enough marriage for all of us, you know. It makes no difference to straight people whether gay people are allowed to get married or not, but it makes a huge difference to gay people to be able to get married like everyone else. So yeah, I was surprised but it shows that theres still so much that needs to be done. And what about the reaction of those who felt that the Aston Martin driver should stick to racing, and that politics and sport shouldnt mix? I get the point, Vettel says. I grew up in the sport, and had lots of discussions with experts and media and communications, and you hear this statement a couple of times. But are we talking about politics when were talking about human rights? I dont think so. I think there are some topics where you cant duck or say: It doesnt belong here, lets not talk about this. Some topics are so big that they belong literally everywhere, and everyone has to be aware. Just push the door open you will become a superstar Vettel is the latest and arguably most high-profile sportsman to speak out in support of the LGBTQ+ community, joining Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and ex-England rugby star James Haskell as a vocal, visible ally. I wasnt surprised that LGBTQ+ people would take Sebastian to their hearts, Bishop says. But I think its particularly important when someone who is well-known as a straight family man takes up the cause. And Ill tell you this. If a gay man becomes a Formula 1 driver, drives for a good team and wins, he will become the biggest and most loved sports star in the whole wide world. So if somebody is in Formula 3 or Formula 2 and is nervous, just push the door open. It will spring open for you, and you will become a superstar. Vettel believes that showing an inclusive attitude is vital. If I can be an inspiration, thats great, but in the end, the whole environment has to be inviting, the German says. So if small things like what I did help to raise awareness and express support, thats great. But we have to stop judging people on what they like to do and who they love. We should be seeing the people first, and everyone is different and everyone has a beauty about them. Lets just treat people the way we want to treat them, equally, and not based on who they love. Sebastian Vettel and Matt Bishop were speaking to Jack Murley on the BBCs LGBT Sport Podcast. New episodes are available weekly on BBC Sounds. The post Sebastian Vettel on speaking out as an LGBTQ+ ally: Everyone has the same right to love appeared first on Patabook Sports.

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