Over a year after Russia's Supreme Court declared the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights as extremist, activists report heightened fear and intimidation. Under President Vladimir 🉐Putin, LGBTQ+ rights have faced increasing restrictions for over a decade, a trend exacerbated since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Framing the war a🎃s a proxy battle with the West, Putin has linked it to the protection of Russia's "traditional family values."
Despite his insistence that Russia does not discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, Putin has condemned what he calls "perversions leading to degradation🍰." Legislative measures, such as the prohibition of public LGBTQ+ representation and gender-affirmin🎶g care, have further marginalized the community. In November 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the "international LGBT movement" as extremist, paving the way for six-year prison terms for those associated with it.
Persecution and Exile
The crackdown has forced many activists to flee. Gela Gogishvili, a pharmacist, and Haoyang Xu, a Chinese student, fled Russia after facing accusations of spreading LGBTQ+ propaganda. Xu was detained and threatened with deportation, whil𝓀e Gogishvili was fined. Both eventually sought asylum in France. Gogishvili expressed concern for those still in Russia, saying, "I'm scared for the queer community that remains."
Raids on LGBTQ+ spaces have intensified. In late 2023, police targeted gay bars and drag shows in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities. Activists and allies have faced charges for displaying symbols like the rainbow flag. Human rights lawyer M♒ax Olenichev revealed that even individuals unaffiliated with the LGBTQ+ community have been accused under these laws.
Life Under Surveillance
For activists remaining in Russia, life has become pr🧸ecarious. Olga Baranova, head of the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives, noted that fear of six-year prison sentences deters many. Activists like Vladimir and Ikar work underground, of✅fering legal aid while navigating threats of violence. Online platforms have become vital for community support as physical gatherings grow riskier.
Challenges for the Trans Community
The transgender community, already vulnerable, has been hit particularly hard. Access to gender-affirming care is virtually nonexistent, and trans individuals face increased harassment, blackmail, and employment discrimination. Anna, a 25-year-old transgender woman, relies on costly international advice for hormo💧nal therapy. Despite support from friends, she avoids disclosing he༺r identity at work, fearing job loss.
Resilience Amid Uncertainty
Some, like Yulia, a mid-40s transgender woman, choose to stay, viewing their presence as a statement of strength and normalization. However, with bans on LGBTQ+ representation in media and escalating rheto▨ric fr🎶om officials, the future remains uncertain. Activists fear the next generation will grow up in a culture that vilifies their identities.
The crackdown has cast a shadow over LGBTQ+ lives in Russia, forcing many into hiding ♔while others continue to resist under dire cꦐircumstances.
(This article is a re🅠worked version of a PTI feed.)
