Activists from Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia made their way to Russia to speak out for LGBTQ rights in a subversive protest during the World Cup.
Standing up for what you believe has always taken courage, and that's especially true if you're in the middle of Russia and what you believe could get you in trouble.
As frenzied soccer fans descended on Russia for the 2018 World Cup, there was another group hidden among them who had come for an entirely different reason.
Wearing the same bright colored jerseys, representing their home teams, 6 activists made a living rainbow flag in protest of Russia's anti-LQBTQ policies.
Hiding in plain sight, the protesters subverted Russian restrictions on displaying the LGBTQ flag. They called the project 'The Hidden Flag', posting a statement about it on TheHiddenFlag.Org.
"At the same time that Pride Month is celebrated in the rest of the world, we decided to denounce this situation and take our flag to the streets of Russia. In the plain light of day, in front of the Russian authorities, Russian society and the whole world, we wave the flag with pride."
The images of the group went viral and people applauded their message and its creativity.
Though some just hoped the group stayed safe.
After all, the flag was not so hidden any more.
The group is no longer in Russia, but one member said they have a message for LGBTQ Russians.
"I want them to know they are not alone, and we will keep fighting from afar so that they will able to be free."
The uniform may be different, but the heroism is the same.
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