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One of America's biggest female stars has joined Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest

“Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties,” said Megan Rapinoe.

COLIN KAEPERNICK’S PROTEST against the US national anthem is starting to spread.

On Sunday, US women’s national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe kneeled during the national anthem prior to the Seattle Reign’s match against the Portland Thorns.

Jesse Karangu captured the moment.

Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, made headlines when he refused to stand for the national anthem at a pre-season game and explained: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour.”

During an interview with the Associated Press, Rapinoe noted that Kaepernick’s stance extends beyond people of colour.

“Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties,” Rapinoe said.

Rapinoe spoke with former national team star Julie Foudy about the move after the game, noting that she felt the need to support Kaepernick.

I’m disgusted with the way Colin has been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this. It is overtly racist. ‘Stay in your place black man.’ Just didn’t feel right to me. And quite honestly being gay, I have stood with my hand over my heart during the national anthem & felt like I haven’t had my liberties protected, so I can absolutely sympathise with that feeling. The very least that I can do is continue the conversation with him by kneeling for the anthem … it needs to be everyone confronting problems in our country, not just people of colour … One player asked why I did it. I said for Colin Kaepernick. She said “Good for you.” Otherwise no reaction from team.

Rapinoe went on to say that she intends to keep taking a knee during the anthem in future games.

– Cork Gaines, Business Insider

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