Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.
Seattle revels in its reputation as a welcoming place and Pride flags are visible all over the city, all year round. Its June Pride weekend is one of the biggest in the United States.
So, ahead of December's World Cup draw, it was only natural that local organisers designated the June 26 match to be held in the city as a "Pride Match."
Then the draw happened — and the two teams scheduled to play the game were Egypt and Iran.
Egypt urged global soccer governing body FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities. And Iran, where same-sex relations can carry the death penalty, filed an objection with FIFA.
But in Seattle, there is no question that the Pride Match will go ahead as planned.
