On the first day of Pride Month 2021, Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team’s statement created a buzz of excitement on social media. They have announced their partnership with Racing Pride, a movement which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusivity within motorsport. By celebrating Pride Month with such commitment, the team are demonstrating that the #WeRaceAsOne initiative must include the LGBTQ+ community.
This begs the question: is Formula 1 doing enough to advocate for freedom of sexuality and gender expression?
[Inage from F1]
While many await excitedly for F1 to race in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi later on this year, it shouldn’t be overlooked that, in both locations, LGBTQ+ people face severe discrimination and legal challenges. Despite being (according to Forbes) the second most dangerous country for LGBTQ+ travellers in the world, F1 have announced proudly that they will go racing in Saudi Arabia in 2021. It seems counterintuitive that the #WeRaceAsOne initiative is being pushed whilst choices like this are being made.
The wariness around being ‘too political’ within a sporting championship is understandable. However, this isn’t politics; it’s basic human rights.
Last year the appointment of Vitaly Petrov as an FIA Driver Steward also caused concern within the community. Petrov, the first Russian driver in F1, was reported saying various controversial and offensive comments in reaction to #WeRaceAsOne. These statements were both racist and homophobic, undermining the FIA’s Code of Ethics. Due to a personal bereavement, Vitaly later stepped down from his role before the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix.
‘Cancel culture’ is a complex thing. Personalities like Petrov who have blatantly used their voice to attack communities should not have their behaviour encouraged or accepted. When an influential figure recognises and genuinely regrets a comment, that’s one thing. However, when no apology is made and no recognition is given to the hurt caused by the comment, that is an entirely different entity. An attack against the LGBTQ+ community brings all of us down, not just those who are directly affected by it.
It is clear that there is a long journey ahead. Equal opportunities and genuine support for the LGBTQ+ community in Formula 1 can only truly be achieved when teams and officials take action. A mere social media post is not enough; it’s performative activism and as such does not contribute to long term changes in mindsets and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. What Aston Martin has done, however, goes beyond that. By partnering with a leading organisation, dedicated to the cause, they are opening the conversation and seeking real change. Let's hope that other teams will show their support and play their part too!
What can F1 fans do to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the sport?
The power of social media: Follow organisations such as Racing Pride to keep up to date with what is going on. Support teams and initiatives that are positively impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Report hate speech when you see it.
Be an ally: Check out Racing Pride’s guide to being a good ally here to see what you can do in your everyday life.
Inclusive language: The words that we use make an enormous impact. When you’re not talking about a specific person, try and keep your language gender neutral. This helps widen our mental image of drivers, mechanics, team principals etc. to be more than just cisgender men.
Get talking: Discuss these issues with other fans. The more conversation that there is surrounding Pride Month and beyond, the closer we will be to seeing real change happen.
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