Where this was said
Taremi on LGBTQ: Respect All People
At 12:36 · chapter starts 12:00
With cameras rolling and reporters attempting to bait Iran's captain into a culture-war moment, Mehdi Taremi delivered perhaps the tournament's most quietly powerful press conference answer. When asked about LGBTQ rights, he stated plainly that LGBT people's choices are their own, that the team is there to play football, and that he respects all human beings — gay, straight, and trans. He then politely asked that further questions be about the game. Meiselas finds the moment 'fascinating,' noting that Taremi's measured, inclusive response surpassed what many Western politicians manage on the same topic.
When Western journalists tried to corner Iran captain Taremi on LGBTQ rights, he calmly said he respects all LGBT people and redirected them to ask about football. It was more diplomatic and measured than most Western politicians manage on the same topic.
Iran captain Taremi was repeatedly asked about LGBTQ views and responded that he respects all people — gay, straight, and trans — and redirected to questions about the game.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi delivered a stunning press conference — calling the World Cup a 'disaster,' calling out Infantino by name for broken promises, and noting two goals overturned by VAR in two games. He asked, 'Who wants to help us?' and no one had an answer.
