Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina has come out as a lesbian in a YouTube video, throughout which she additionally criticized her nation’s angle in direction of homosexuality.
“Residing within the closet, as they are saying, is pointless,” Kasatkina stated in an interview with vlogger Vitya Kravchenko. “There is no such thing as a level, it could all the time be going spherical in your head, till you say one thing. Clearly, every individual decides methods to open up and the way a lot,” Kasatkina stated.
The 25-year-old tennis participant lamented the very fact there are such a lot of “taboo subjects” in Russia.
“I consider it is necessary that influential individuals from sports activities, or another sphere actually discuss it,” she added.
“It can be crucial for younger individuals who have a tough time with society and wish assist.”
Hours after the video was revealed, Kasatkina shared a photograph on Instagram of herself hugging one other lady with a purple coronary heart emoji. On Twitter, she posted a photograph of herself and the identical lady, saying: “My cutie pie.”
Russia proposes ban on dialogue of ‘non-traditional’ relationships
Kasatkina’s announcement got here after Russian lawmakers on Monday proposed banning any dialogue of “non-traditional” sexual relationships within the public sphere.
The French Open semi-finalist stated “it is no shock” that Russia is attempting to clamp down on homosexuality.
Russia’s so-called “homosexual propaganda” legislation from 2013 has been used to cease pleasure marches and detain homosexual rights activists.
Kasatkina praises soccer participant for popping out
Kasatkina praised Nadezhda Karpova for paving the best way, after the soccer participant turned the primary Russian sportswoman to come back out in June.
“My respect. I used to be completely happy for her, but additionally different individuals, particularly ladies wanted to know that,” Kasatkina stated.
There had been a push for extra openness on the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Kasatkina stated, however this momentum was misplaced after Russia invaded Ukraine.
In the meantime, when requested what she desires most in life, Kasatkina stated: “For the struggle to finish,” describing the battle as a “full nightmare.”
zc/jsi (AFP, Reuters, dpa, AP)