This February, athletes from all around the world will compete in the Winter Olympic Games in Russia.
But Russia's anti-gay propaganda laws threaten to make any LGBT visibility illegal.
So, what will happen if an out athlete becomes an Olympic champion?
What possible consequences could be faced from celebrating a victory with a loved one?
All Out, an organization which focuses on LGBT issues, tackles these questions in a short film released today entitled "Love Always Wins."
The film depicts a figure skater receiving the gold medal...
... and in the arena she sees the only person she wants to share the moment with.
In a flash, she also realizes that this simple act is an impossibility for her.
The Co-Founder of All Out, Andre Banks, touched upon the important message of the film:
Russia's law makes it unclear whether public displays of affection, coming out on television by mentioning an athlete's loved one, or even hugging your partner after winning the gold medal could result in fines or deportation. Putin would like us to think gays and lesbians are welcome during the Olympics, but no one will feel safe and welcome while this law is in place.
The video closes with this simple but powerful tagline:
All Out is encouraging individuals to share the video using #LoveAlwaysWins to raise awareness about the laws in Russia.
The film calls on the International Olympic Committee to speak out and stand by its Olympic principles of non-discrimination, demanding the anti-gay laws are repealed before the 2014 Sochi Games commence.
Watch the entire short film:
View this video on YouTube
You can also sign All Out's petition here.
And catch some behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the short film:
View this video on YouTube
Shot by Leighton Cox, the film features UK Dancing On Ice pros Frankie Poultney and Colin Ratushniak along with actresses Silvia Baltodano and Kate Hollowood.