Russia: Moscow Times features pro-gay Swedish fashion advertisement
A Swedish fashion company has defied anti-gay “propaganda” laws in Russia by managing to feature a pro-gay advertisement in Moscow Times.
The advertisement, courtesy of Björn Borg, shows a stack of underwear arranged by colour to resemble the rainbow gay pride symbol.
Above the advertisement is a positive message showing solidarity for LGBT citizens in Russia, which reads simply: “Björn Borg says da.”
The company’s marketing director, Lina Söderqvist, told Adweek she hopes the advertisement will be seen by Russia’s lawmakers.
She said: “The advert is a way for us to reach Russian influencers. Björn Borg as a brand has always advocated equality on all levels.”
In a press statement, she added: “It is a human right to love and to make love to whoever you choose and we want to make a point of that through the advert in the Moscow Times today.”
RUSA LGBT, a Russian LGBT association in America, said it hopes others will also follow Björn Borg’s example.
Yelena Goltsman, RUSA LGBT founder and co-president, told GLAAD: “We welcome multiple methods of support and we invite all LGBT advocates to find ways, both inside and outside the country to stand in solidarity with LGBT Russians.”
