About an hour and fifteen minutes before kickoff Friday night, the “Designated Protest Zone” across the street from Seattle Stadium had nobody in it. Up the block, a group protested Israel’s actions in Gaza, and some tension simmered between Iranians waving the pre-Revolution “Lion and Sun” flag—they’re generally extremely critical of the current government—and people more supportive of the current regime.
Pride, meanwhile, brought joy. Earlier in the day, a Trans Pride event at Volunteer Park, a few miles north of the stadium, celebrated small businesses, advocacy organizations, and performers who elevate Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. Many believed the World Cup Pride game, the source of global headlines and controversy since Egypt and Iran were named as participants, would in the end deliver on its promise. “Whether you are outside of the US or you are inside of the U.S., and you do not feel accepted or feel like it is safe to be out and live a life that is true to who you are, I hope that this is an opportunity to see that there is a community that is here who is excited to bring you in,” says Nakita Venus, executive director of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center. “Every person deserves to be able to be their true selves. Being queer and trans is a gift, and deserves to be treated as such.”
