Seattle Pride festival reminds Iran and Egypt: 'You are now in our home'

Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, known for its Scandinavian influences, buzzed with energy during a Pride festival that coincided with the World Cup. Drag queen Sativa The Queen hosted the Ballard Rainbow Pride festival, keeping spirits high despite the gray weather. The event featured Norwegian-themed food and drinks, drawing many fans wearing Norway's national soccer jerseys.

During a break in the festivities, Sativa spoke about the powerful connection between football and Pride. She expressed gratitude that Seattle decided to host a "Pride Match" between Iran and Egypt, despite the teams' reluctance. "This is a wonderful opportunity on a global stage to highlight Pride's most important values, like equality," Sativa said. "We welcome all kinds of people. I am truly grateful that my country decided to hold the Pride match regardless of the teams."

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This is a wonderful opportunity on a global stage to highlight Pride's most important values, like equality. We welcome all kinds of people. I am truly grateful that my country decided to hold the Pride match regardless of the teams.

Sativa recalled that four years prior, during the World Cup in Qatar, rainbow flags and armbands were banned. FIFA cited the principle of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." Now, with the tournament in the United States, the situation is different. "That was Qatar's choice then, and this is ours," Sativa stated. "You are now in our home. This is a great opportunity to talk about these issues to a large audience. Hopefully, the Pride Match and its related events will set a high standard for the whole world."

Sativa, a former soccer player herself, follows the games closely. She noted that while doors in sports may not have always been open for drag queens when she was young, they have always been welcomed in football. Michi, a local entrepreneur and LGBT activist dressed in a colorful rainbow jacket, enticed people to his nearby bar.

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That was Qatar's choice then, and this is ours. You are now in our home. This is a great opportunity to talk about these issues to a large audience. Hopefully, the Pride Match and its related events will set a high standard for the whole world.