Activists create "hidden" rainbow flag to circumvent the ban on Russia's LGBTQ flag

A group of Latin American activists decided to challenge Russian anti-gay laws with a little help from their football jerseys. The six activists wore their shirts in the order of ROYGBIV to show their solidarity as waving a rainbow flag – the longstanding symbol of LGBTQ pride – is against the law in Russia .

The provocative "Hidden Flag" – designed by LOLA Mullenlowe, a Spanish digital agency, and FELGTB, the largest LGBTQ organization in Spain – is the latest effort to denounce rampant homophobia in Russia, As much as the country hosts the World Cup .

"When Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in 1978, he did so to create a symbol and an icon for the LGTB community," the group wrote on his website. "Unfortunately, 40 years later, there are still countries where homobaduality is persecuted, sometimes even with prison terms, and where the rainbow flag is forbidden."

The group wore jerseys from Spain (red)), Brazil (in yellow), Mexico (in green), Argentina (in blue) and Colombia (in purple) and have visited iconic Russian sites – posing even next to unsuspecting Russian policemen.

"For me, Russia is a symbol of homophobia, with a government that allows discriminators to be protected by law, and somewhere where people are not free to love ", wrote Vanesa Paola Ferrario, who wore the Argentinian jersey. on the group page. "This project has interested me because it allows us to use our voices for those who can not."

The response to the project was largely positive, according to Pancho Cbadis, executive director of LOLA's creation. "It's getting huge and it's good news, love beats hatred and spreads everywhere," he said.

The movement became viral on social networks, many sharing their support for the project with the hashtag #HiddenFlag. Even Chelsea Clinton insisted on Twitter, calling the project "brave and beautiful".

"Being visible is always a risk, but doing it with Thousands of fans and fans of the World Cup and the press in mind, that is what motivated us to carry out the initial event, "Cbadis said in a statement. "The #HiddenFlag gives visibility to all people living in Russia and face discrimination and fear on a daily basis."