As champion diver and gay rights advocate Tom Daley entered Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England on July 28, as one of the last athletes selected to carry the Queen’s Baton Relay, the Commonwealth Games’ equivalent of the Olympic torch , to finish to officially open the 22nd Games, he was flanked by an honor guard of activists carrying Pride flags.

In recent years, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has used recent relay runners to support charitable causes, triumphing in the 56-strong Commonwealth of Nations. Daley’s role at the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony was part of his broader efforts around the Games to point out that same-sex relationships remain illegal in 35 out of 54 recognized countries in the Commonwealth, today’s descendant of the British Empire.

Daley’s comments came as he was completing a documentary called Around the Commonwealth illegal to be me. The film delves into the colonial legacy of laws banning same-sex relationships in former British colonies.

As champion diver and gay rights advocate Tom Daley entered Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England on July 28, as one of the last athletes selected to carry the Queen’s Baton Relay, the Commonwealth Games’ equivalent of the Olympic torch , to finish to officially open the 22nd Games, he was flanked by an honor guard of activists carrying Pride flags.

In recent years, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has used recent relay runners to support charitable causes, triumphing in the 56-strong Commonwealth of Nations. Daley’s role at the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony was part of his broader efforts around the Games to point out that same-sex relationships remain illegal in 35 out of 54 recognized countries in the Commonwealth, today’s descendant of the British Empire.

Daley’s comments came as he was completing a documentary called Around the Commonwealth illegal to be me. The film delves into the colonial legacy of laws banning same-sex relationships in former British colonies.

His efforts have paid off. Ahead of the opening ceremony, Katie Sadleir, chief executive of the CGF, told the BBC that countries where same-sex relationships are illegal are less likely to be chosen to host events in the future.

“Human rights and inclusion are enshrined in our constitution,” Sadleir said. “Our membership absolutely values ​​the values ​​we have and they were central to our application process so that would definitely be taken into account.”

This is stronger and more explicit language than most sports governing bodies have used – but still ambiguous. Both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA have strengthened human rights language in their event contracts – but made it clear there are limits, particularly when money and power are at stake.

In the case of Beijing 2022, IOC Vice-President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr said the organization could not pressure the Chinese government on cases such as evidence of the mass detention of Uyghurs in the far western province of Xinjiang.

FIFA has praised its own human rights achievements through its pressure campaign on the government of Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. However, human rights groups such as Amnesty International have criticized FIFA for failing to provide compensation to migrant workers and for minimizing the level of abuse that took place in the staging of the event.

The Commonwealth Games — originally the British Empire Games when they were first held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930 — has more than 5,000 athletes, about the size of the Pan American Games and a far cry from the Olympic Games ceiling by around 11,000 athletes.

During the process of decolonizing the British Empire and establishing the Commonwealth of Nations, the name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games and British Commonwealth Games before settling on the Commonwealth Games. But the white Anglophone nations still held most of the power, as the four-yearly games were hosted almost exclusively by Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It has only been held three times outside of these four countries. The 2022 games were originally set to be the fourth awarded to South Africa’s Durban before the city ran into financial difficulties.

Victoria, Australia will host the next edition of the event, which was selected on the eve of Birmingham’s opening without a formal bidding process after the Durban project fell apart. Partly rooted is the lack of interest in hosting the Games in contrast to the Commonwealth itself, which is seen as a remnant of British imperialism. But the CGF doesn’t just award the flagship Commonwealth Games; It has expanded to host the Commonwealth Youth Games, held every four years, making it easier for smaller countries to host a significant event.

“Although the criminalization of LGBT people is not unique to the Commonwealth, it is a Commonwealth-specific issue that is inextricably linked to the colonial history of the organization and many of its member states,” said Alistair Stewart, Human Dignity Trust research director and advocacy group , told foreign policy on the current state of the influence of British law on countries around the world.

Today, LGBTQ advocacy is often portrayed as a foreign impertinence. However, most of the anti-LGBTQ provisions in Commonwealth countries’ criminal codes can be traced back to Section 377 of the British Criminal Code, which criminalized acts “against the order of nature”. According to Stewart, many of the current laws in the 35 Commonwealth countries where same-sex marriage is illegal have not changed for “50 or 100 years”.

Not only are the laws outdated, Stewart added, they are also inconsistent with the Commonwealth’s charter, which specifically rejects discrimination on any grounds.

“[We] welcome any initiative that encourages Commonwealth member states to live up to their obligations, not only to meet the aspirations set out in the Commonwealth Charter and international law, but most importantly for their own LGBT communities who are affected by these harmful and discriminatory laws are.”

But activists on the ground across the Commonwealth fear that while the gesture is welcome, it could lead to backlash and countries resistant to change avoid future offers.

Jason Jones was one of the activists who carried a Pride flag alongside Daley at the opening ceremony in Birmingham. He also helped usher in the legalization of same-sex relationships in his native Trinidad and Tobago through a 2018 High Court victory that ruled his “buggery” law was unconstitutional.

Jones described the ceremony via email as “absolutely surreal,” calling it a “lifetime achievement and a memory I will always cherish.”

But he worries that punishing countries for their outdated laws could only reinforce the notion that being LGBTQ is a “[W]eastern vice” and this new direction “will be shoved down their throats”. Trinidad and Tobago will host the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, a key event for the country, and Jones has worked with organizers at Pride House Birmingham to ensure a Pride House is welcomed at the Games there.

Still, thanks to an appeal to the Privy Council in London, same-sex relationships in Trinidad and Tobago are ultimately decided by “white, heterosexual British judges,” he wrote. A hearing in this case is expected in 2026.

“We must find viable solutions together and not just throw our toys out of the stroller!” Jones wrote. “I think there needs to be a more nuanced response to working with Commonwealth countries that are criminalizing LGBT people, and the Commonwealth Games Federations need to work directly with activists working on the ground in those countries.”

In countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal, like Nigeria, the decision is welcomed as a security measure for athletes traveling there to attend the Games, activist Marline Oluchi wrote in an email interview, but Oluchi doubts that it will have any effect on persuading government officials to reconsider their stance on current laws.

Nigeria last bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2007 when it lost the right to host Glasgow, Scotland for the 2014 edition. Aside from bidding to host the 2022 Youth Olympic Games, the country has been reluctant to pursue multi-sport events in the current landscape.

The sport did not help persuade the government to lift the ban on same-sex relationships, Oluchi wrote. Instead, activists have sought to pressure policymakers despite the difficulty of launching a campaign to repeal Nigeria’s law on same-sex marriage (prohibition). Currently, people in Nigeria face up to 14 years in prison for same-sex relationships, with even harsher penalties in northern states that follow Sharia law.

“I think the Commonwealth is strategic and can exercise more power to force member countries to decriminalize homosexuality by taking [a] a stronger stance beyond measures like banning countries from hosting games,” Oluchi said. “How interested is the country in this? How has the country reacted so far? This should tell you whether or not this step has any impact.”

Aug 7, 2022; New York City, New York, United States; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets finished the weekend with a 5.5-game lead at the top of the division, although the Braves defeated the Marlins in four games. With the two teams set to begin a four-game streak Monday, the Mets need to be feeling good this week.

Let’s take a look at how the National League East division fares on August 15th.

New York Mets: (75-40)

Last 10: 8-2

Who’s Hot: Jeff McNeil, IF/OF

McNeil may have ended his 13-game scoring streak against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, but the 30-year-old has a tear on his plate lately. He’s hit .375/.450/.688 with one home run and four runs batted in his last six games.

Who doesn’t: Brandon Nimmo, OV

The Mets midfielder hasn’t looked like himself with the racquet for the past week or so. Nimmo is 4-to-26 in his last seven games and has only pulled two walks in that time. He now owns .350 OBP for the season, far less than .383 OBP all career.

injury news

Tylor Megil threw a bullpen session on Sunday for the first time since a shoulder strain against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 16. The Mets intend to use him as a backup when he is activated later this season.

Atlanta Braves: (70-46)

Last 10: 7-3

who is hot: Michael Harris IIFROM

The 2019 third-round draft pick surpassed expectations and some in his first major league season. Harris has .320/.382/.580 with three homers and 14 runs batted in his last 15 games, in addition to the excellent defense he’s played in midfield since he was drafted.

Who does not: Marcell OzunaOF/DH

Ozuna is in the midst of a long slump that has seen him move toward the bottom end of the Braves order. The 31-year-old power hitter hits .181/.220./.328 with four home runs in his last 30 games, including 35 strikeouts during that stretch.

injury news

Philadelphia Phillies: (63-51)

Last 10: 7-3

Who’s Hot: Bryson Stott, 2B/SS

The 24-year-old midfielder has been swinging a hot bat since he’s been given a more clearly defined role in the Phillies roster. Stott is 12-for-28 with five runs batted and 1,038 OPS in the last seven games.

Who doesn’t: JT Realmuto, C

Realmuto has been hot and cold throughout the 2022 season but this recent stretch has put him on a bit of a slump. The 31-year-old catcher is averaging .192/.222/.538 with two homers and six batted runs in his last seven games, including eight strikeouts.

injury news

Phillies superstar Bryce Harper was due to take part in field activities on Monday, a big step in his return from the injured list. Most recently, the 29-year-old played against the San Diego Padres on June 25.

Miami Marlin: (50-65)

Last 10: 2-8

Who’s Hot: Charles Leblanc, IF

Leblanc is one of the Marlins who capitalized on the opportunity to play this late in the year. The 26-year-old infielder has hit .378/.404/.533 with one home run and two runs batted in the last 15 games.

Who does not: Jesus Aguilar, 1B

Aguilar is just one of many clubs, as the Marlins have a difficult stretch at the plate. The first baseman is just 4-for-19 with six strikeouts in his last seven games, bringing his OPS down to .688 for the season.

injury news

starting pitcher Trevor Rogers made his second rehab start on Sunday since being placed on the injured list with a back injury. The left-handed pitcher last appeared on July 25 against the Cincinnati Reds for the Marlins’ major-league team.

Washington Nationals: (38-78)

Last 10: 2-8

who is hot: Joey Menes, 1B

The 30-year-old rookie has made an excellent start to his time with the Oberliga club. Meneses is 14-to-35 with five homers and seven batted runs and owns 1,276 OPS in his first ten games in DC

Who doesn’t: Luke Voit, 1B/DH

Voit has really struggled on the plate since joining the Nationals in the deal that included Juan Soto go to the San Diego Padres. The 31-year-old has hit .130/.200/.261 in his last six games with one home run and 12 strikeouts.

injury news

When Tesla began teasing the new Model S and Model X (both Dual Motor and Plaid variants) early last year, the design refresh interiors of these high-end vehicles featured a small screen for rear passengers.

Interestingly, the promotional images of the refreshed interior design of the Model S/X showed the rear passenger infotainment screen playing video games.

More than a year later, since Tesla began delivering the new Model S in June 2021, the video games for the rear passenger screen are still missing.

Although playing video games in the rear passenger seat is neither practical nor necessary with a centrally mounted 8-inch screen, this is a luxury segment car with a starting price of $104,990 (Tesla Model S). So the customers who bought this car for a lot of money actually started complaining.

In a Reddit thread basically about unleashing the full potential of the Tesla Model S/X’s gaming power at PS5 levels, the playability of games on the rear screen somehow took the spotlight.

When some owners contacted Tesla about this missing feature, they were told by automaker officials that rear-screen video games will appear in a future over-the-air software update. But the timing of this specific update is not yet clear and Elon Musk has not confirmed anything on the matter either in an official tweet.

The rear screen on a Model S or Model X is currently only used for climate control, music, and theater mode (video streaming like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, etc.).

Some Tesla Model S and Model X owners think video games playing on the rear screen can help their kids kill time during a long drive. Others find the position of this screen at the bottom between the front seats awkward and not practical for playing games for hours.

Related: Tesla Comparison: Old Intel Atom GPU vs. New AMD Ryzen APU (Videos)

However, for a full gaming experience, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced some great news for gamers last month: The Steam gaming platform and Steam store are coming to Tesla vehicles. Musk said we’re getting closer to integration, this was an update on a tweet he posted in February that Tesla is working on the Steam integration.

Let us know what you think of playing video games on the Tesla Model S/X rear screen in the comments below.

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