Profiles In Courage

In 1956 future president John F. Kennedy wrote a book called Profiles In Courage and today his legacy is carried on by the Presidential Library and Museum and has an annual essay contest.

Today we still see incidents of courage when standing up to power.

F1 stars Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel speak out against Hungary’s LGBT law
NBC Sports
By AP
July 29, 2021


BUDAPEST, Hungary — Formula One world champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have spoken out against a planned LGBT law referendum by the Hungarian government.

Hungary’s government wants a national referendum to showcase public support for a new law that the European Union says discriminates against LGBT people. The government says the law aims to protect children, but many have criticized it as an attack on LGBT rights.

The seven-time F1 champion Hamilton, who is chasing a record-extending 100th grand prix win this weekend, made his opposition known on social media.

“Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I wish to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law. It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law,” Hamilton wrote in his Instagram Story.

“Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify. I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+, community, they need our support more than ever.”

It takes courage to stand up to a despot.

Why Hamilton and Vettel’s stand for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary matters
OPINION: With Hungary implementing laws banning the teachings of LGBTQ+ issues to under-18s, the country has come under fire for its domestic policy. In response, both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel arrived in Hungary displaying their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Luke Smith explains why it matters.
Motorsport
By: Luke Smith
July 30, 2021


If the past 18 months have taught us anything, it is that sports and social issues absolutely do mix.
[...]
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was at the forefront of that in the world of motorsport. He has continued to work hard on enacting change, with the findings of The Hamilton Commission showing just how much work there is for our industry to do to improve black representation.

And on Thursday, Hamilton again stood tall, along with Sebastian Vettel, as both spoke out about Hungary’s upcoming referendum on an anti-LGBTQ+ law ahead of the grand prix in Budapest this weekend.

Hungary implemented the law last month preventing the depiction and teaching of homosexuality or transgender issues to under 18s, sparking widespread condemnation across Europe.
[…]
“To all in this beautiful country Hungary,” Hamilton wrote. “Ahead of the grand prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law.

“It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law. Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify.

And they chose to take a knee to the law.

This point from Vettel hits the nail on the head of why visible figures speaking out is so important. Using their platforms, they are able to lend support to groups facing discrimination such as that facing the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary under this law.

But sports fans wants none of this…

The response to Hamilton and Vettel’s comments on social media was in places - sadly, yet predictably - awful, with those hiding behind avatars of footballers or cartoon frogs using the anonymity these platforms offer to hit back.

“You’re asking this in a limited time Formula 1 press conference,” read one tweet sent to this writer. “What an embarrassment. Show some respect to the Hungarian government and public for starters. Try focusing on F1 in F1 press conferences too.”

I have to wonder if this was the result of his protest…

Sebastian Vettel Disqualified from Podium Finish at F1 Hungarian Grand Prix
Improper fuel level detected in post-race inspection for Vettel's Aston Martin.
AutoWeek
By Mie Pryson
August 1, 202


Sebastian Vettel was disqualified from the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix late Sunday and forced to give up his runner-up position to Esteban Ocon after a postrace inspection revealed an insufficient fuel load.

The result means that Vettel loses his place as the second-place finisher and everyone who finished behind the four-time champion moves up one place. Lewis Hamilton, therefore, moves from third to second and Carlos Sainz Jr. moves up to the final podium postion [sic].

Here in the states we tend to forget our roots and see Pride as an excuse to party hardy, but for many here in the US many of us are facing renewed hostiles against trans people and LGB people in Republican states but also there is growing animosity and hate around the world. The former Soviet Block countries are flexing their authoritarian muscles to follow in their former masters in Russia where Putin passed anti-LGBTQ+ laws.