Here is my rainbow heart.

Darn it, Crazyheart.  I've forgotten how to refresh.

I also don't know how to change my avatar to a rainbow.

Good idea Crazyheart!

Seeler - to locate your refresh button, look for one or two circular arrows beside your address bar (the side will depend on which browser you are using).

Here is how I change my avatar:

1) I locate a picture that I would like to use and ensure that it is saved on my computer.

2) I click on "Profile" (at the top of this screen).

3) I click "edit"

4) I confirm my password and click "delete picture" before hitting "save."

5) I once again confirm my password and click "choose file." A box will open and you can select your picture from there.

6) Hit save again and you are done.

7) To see your new avatar, hit refresh.

I hope this helps!

If you're using a normal computer keyboard (ie. you're not using a tablet or smartphone), then pressing F5 refreshes in most programs including Internet Explorer and Firefox (not sure about Chrome). Easier than hunting around for the icon.

Mendalla

Thanks somegal - when I have time and patience to fool around, I will try to change my avatar using your directions.  I have a friend coming over in a week or so to help me understand my computer (and get me set up on facebook).  She will probably also know, or figure out, with your directions, how to change an avatar.   Meanwhile I've pressed F5 for refresh and seen some beautiful rainbow colours.  I knew there was an easy way - but had a seniors' moment and my mind went blank.

Currently I am talking a stand on a different issue through my choice of avatar.

Beautiful, gecko.

This is a basic human rights issue. It would help a lot if the United Nations added GLTBQ equality to their list of basic human rights.

It probably is on the UN Charter already? Isn't Russia a signatory to the UN Charter of Human Rights?

Moreover, inclusiveness is a big part of the Olympic Spirit. Inclusiveness includes everyone, including GLBTQ people! If Russia won't abide by the UN Charter of Human Rights or the Olympic Spirit, can't the the international community pressure Russia to abide by the UN Charter, or the Olympic Committee pressure Russia to abide by the Olympic Spirit? Didn't Russia agree to abide by the Olympic Spirit when they took on the Olympic Games?

There are internet petitions circulating already, protesting against Russia's discrimination of GLBTQ people. We can help by putting our name under one or all of these.

Arm has a point. I don't think a rainbow avatar at WC is going to have any impact whatsoever, just like Jae's mill scene isn't doing anything for whatever the hell he thinks he is taking a stand for.

Yes, but I have been told that petitions on FaceBook don't have any clout either. 

The petitions will do no good unless they can somehow be used to put pressure on other governments to take action. Putin won't listen to his own people unless it suits him so what are the odds he would listen to other nations' citizens?

Even pressure from other governments might not do much good. Look at his position on Syria. Even China has largely given up on Assad but Putin continues to defend him when almost every other government, save for Iran and a few of its allies, has either abandoned him to the wolves or is actively engaged against him. Putin has very clearly decided that he wants Russia to be the big nasty bear that is was in the Cold War era and that, as they did back then, they will do as they please regardless of what anyone else thinks. And, to be honest, I think a lot of that has to do with his ego. He wants to be seen as a big gun in the world even as Russia is eclipsed by China on the world stage. Witness his displays of "manliness" and other stunts designed to play to the media. Even the Chinese Communists, who keep their leaders on a strict 10 year refresh cycle that avoids this kind of cult of personality (they already suffered that with Mao), are a model of political openness and pragmatism next to this guy. Do I think we're heading into a renewed Cold War with Russia? It's a distinct possibility.

As much as I hate to say it, the best we can probably do until someone with more sense and less ego comes to power in Moscow is help keep the issue of GLBTQ rights in Russia alive and in the public eye and perhaps assist the GLBTQ Russians facing persecution in escaping to more friendly countries, much as other groups of dissidents were assisted in escaping the old Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Mendalla

I stand in support of mills.

Take a stand - sign the petition.

https://www.allout.org/en/actions/russia-attacks

I rather like windmills - old and new style.

Thanks, gecko!

I just signed, and wrote a comment. The petition, once it has reached 300,000 signatures (it is close to that already), will go to the International Olympic Committee in Geneva. If nothing else, Russia will jeopardize its status as a member in good standing with the International Olympic Committee.

Because they typically don't.  Sorry CH!

Hi chansen,

Indeed.  The  word slacktivism comes to mind.

Grace and peace to you.

John

Oh c'mon rev john, put up a rainbow avatar of yourself. A little face painting never hurt anyone.

Slacktivism (sometimes slactivism or slackervism) is a portmanteau of the words slacker and activism. The word is usually considered a pejorative term that describes "feel-good" measures, in support of an issue or social cause, that have little or no practical effect other than to make the person doing it take satisfaction from the feeling they have contributed. The acts tend to require minimal personal effort from the slacktivist. The underlying assumption being promoted by the term is that these low cost efforts substitute for more substantive actions rather than supplementing them, although this assumption has not been borne out by research.^[1]

Slacktivist activities include signing Internet petitions,^[2] joining a community organization without contributing to the organization's efforts, copying and pasting of social networkstatuses or messages or altering one's personal data or avatar on social network services. Research is beginning to explore the connection between the concept and modern activism/advocacy, as groups are increasingly using social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action.^[3]

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS describes the term "slacktivist", saying it "posits that people who support a cause by performing simple measures are not truly engaged or devoted to making a change".^[4]

I had to look this word up.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS describes the term "slacktivist", saying it "posits that people who support a cause by performing simple measures are not truly engaged or devoted to making a change".^[4]

^{We all do what we can.}

Hi Dcn. Jae,

Tell that to the last clown that tried to paint my face (he typed ominously).

But more to the point, suppose I change my avatar here what does that tell the Russian Government?

Does it hurt them financially?  No.

Does it challenge them morally?  No.

Does it force them to respond in any way?  No.

Will it convince them that they need to be more like enlightened us in Canada?  No.

So what does it actually accomplish?  It lets me deceive myself into believing I have done something. 

Changing our avatars as a means of support is just an excuse to pat ourselves on the back.

Grace and peace to you.

John

Let's call a spade a bloody shovel........

All social media involves advertising "product me"... (and some of our "own face" avatars signal this.)

Having said that, our thoughts and opinions cover many social issues. They are like waves on an ocean -and, as such, can be far-reaching........