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This year's Men's World Cup, held in Qatar , one of the 68 countries where being gay is against the law , generated passion, contradiction, and rejection. From those who experience it with "queer intensity" and want football to be "ours," to those who decided not to watch it because of human rights violations in the host country or because it "silences other situations," the experiences of the World Cup are manifold.

From Presentes we asked the LGBT+ people who follow us how they experience their passion for football .

Among the positive aspects, they highlighted "the joy of the people," "homoeroticism," "sharing a passion," and "a new idea of ​​masculinity" in relation to men who express their feelings.

These were some of their answers:

@liaghara

“"Hold on to the people's joy, old man. Besides, the level of homoeroticism there is truly a world apart."

@valen_nw

“With Queer intensity, as it could not be otherwise!

@valr666

“I love it. I think your sexuality shouldn't limit you from enjoying things that are 'heterotypical'. Also, in the world of football, there are players who are part of the LGBT+ community, even if they're a minority. The World Cup is a moment of unity; we should all enjoy it, and if we don't understand, ask or try to respect each other beyond our sexuality and gender identity. 💗”

@arielocampopinturas

““I paint murals and try to leave messages of respect for diversity in murals about the World Cup.”

@la.lo.kura

“It seems to me that since this is an inevitable and historic event, we should be part of it from the inside, not only criticizing but also sharing the passion.”

@maria_nianiania

“I love this national team, which, even in the worst country, is building a new idea of ​​masculinity. I love that the kids kiss and hug each other and say nice things. I love football, even though I'm terrible at it.

@sole__be

“Football is ours too, it has to be, and we have to do it our way. We have to be part of the people with a social conscience, because we will never be declassed. I send a hug to those battered generations; those of us who were lucky will continue doing everything for a football that embraces the queer people. ❤️✌🏽

@kima.dw

“I really enjoy it. It helps me connect with others. It's such a massive and passionate popular phenomenon that it generates a unique feeling. Furthermore, these long-suffering people deserve to have some joy. Of course, I absolutely condemn Qatar, but collective joy is a reason to celebrate."

@madamevanguardia

“Respect is what I saw at every meeting at the Obelisk. Seeing trans boys and girls with their faces painted in the color of the flag and the trans flag on their other cheeks. Change happens gradually and is achieved by embracing that heteropatriarchal joy.

There are also those who decided not to see it as a political stance against the violation of rights in Qatar, or because they disagree with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). They also believe it reinforces values ​​they don't share, or because of the harm the sport has caused them.

@witch_flower

“I decided not to watch it because it is in the country it is in.”

@_mimoses_

“"I hate the amount of resources and time invested in an event that reinforces masculinity and is continually used to silence other important situations. I hope all that money and time are invested in valuing LGBTIQ communities, or in creating new, sustainable social networks, or in housing resources and access to basic services, or in protecting water, biodiversity, and the passage of anti-terricide laws."

@quimeysolramos

“The instructive blows don't fade from the skin, even as the years pass. I respect the genuine celebration (of some), but I can't share it.

@boogers_revenge

“"Soccer is to the FIFA World Cup what religion is to Catholicism. The former is an individual's choice and preference; the latter is an oppressive heteropatriarchal capitalist business."

Many people highlighted the contradictions generated by the Men's World Cup.

@guillet10

“"It creates a lot of internal controversy for me. I had promised myself not to watch the World Cup because I agree it promotes homophobia and hatred, but I've always loved soccer, playing it, and watching World Cups. And watching Argentina's games with my friends brings me a lot of joy... I'm still debating internally whether I'm doing the right thing or the wrong thing... I think the important thing is to watch it with awareness that there are many things that are wrong... I don't know."

@ablancoq

“I support celebration and collective joy, but I never compromise with violence, the rituals of masculinity, and the celebrations that embolden and give free rein to hatred. Sport is for everyone, rituals of hatred are not.

@rulognawel

“With ambiguity. Good for popular joy, bad for cis-hetero masculinity and the nationalism it reinforces. But above all, beyond what I think, it's impossible for me to connect with a sport that has so often been the context for homophobic violence suffered; it reminds me of that. I hope kids can say in 2022 that they're not passionate about playing ball and that they're more into dancing or whatever they genuinely desire.

@rouxete

“I live it in contradiction. I love football and I recognize how terrible it was to have the World Cup in Qatar. That's why I enjoy the game and continue to denounce and criticize everything related to this World Cup."