"Personally I have no problem with media outlets, businesses and individuals making jokes at the expense of homophobes, or hanging out the queer pride flag. It's a statement of support that's fun and costs nothing. But the fact that it costs nothing is precisely the problem. As soon as there's a price tag attached, the foot-shuffling begins. The rainbow flag is supposed to symbolise safety. Hung over a bar, it's supposed to mean that this is a place of refuge. For western nations to brand themselves in this way while subjecting LGBT people to humiliation and imprisonment at their borders is simply disingenuous." -- Laurie Penny, "Less homophobic than Russia? It's not something to give yourself a medal for", 2014-02-13