There have been severe struggles, but some countries including Russia has been frowning up against homosexuality. In 1993, same-sex unions were decriminalised and later in 2013; the nation passed a ban on promotion of homosexuality to minors leading to banning gay pride events or even discussions of gay rights in public spaces. So, to protest against Russia's anti-gay policies, six activists during the 2018 FIFA World Cup stood together and formed a 'hidden rainbow flag' and walked defiantly around Moscow. And the photos have gone viral.

A digital ad agency from Spain named LOLA MullenLowe collaborated with the Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals (FELGTB) to take secret pride photos in Russia during the World Cup. The objective of the project called Hidden Flag was sent to a group of people from different countries to FIFA 2018; all dressed in different-coloured football jerseys. These fans sported the jerseys for their respective countries, but when stood in order, they formed the colours of the Pride rainbow.

If you look at the photos, individually they will appear as just another football fanatics. But together they make the powerful symbol in support of LGBTQ people in a country where such images are banned. Look at the pictures!

The activists are from Spain, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Columbia who travelled to Russia to hide the rainbow flag in plain sight right in front of apparent unsuspecting police officers. "We have taken advantage of the fact the country is hosting the World Cup at the same time as Pride Month, to denounce their behaviour and take the rainbow flag to the streets of Russia," the group wrote on their website.

In a country, where the act of displaying the LGBTQ flag in public can get you arrested, these group of supporters resorted to creativity. Reportedly, the Hidden Flag did not visit schools, but the protestors took pictures at parks, bus stops, bars, the subway and everywhere possible. These six individuals who together form the flag made a tour around the iconic sites in Russia to fight against the long struggle that can never be silenced.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2018 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).