Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has given free rein to Russian homophobes. Without concern for the international community, the authorities are intensifying repression against LGBTQ+ people, targeting not only known activists but sometimes random individuals as well. I am Russian gay activist and Parni+ journalist Yaroslav Rasputin and I want to tell you how the Russian authorities have increased repression against LGBTQ+ people over these three years.
Homophobia became one of the cornerstones of Putin’s power even before the invasion. A prime example was the PR campaign around the 2020 constitutional amendments: Russians were banned from something that had never been permitted — same-sex marriage — in a bid to motivate participation in a referendum that was legally unnecessary, with no way to verify the integrity of the vote count.
Historical Background. The first ban on LGBTQ+ “propaganda” appeared in the Ryazan region in 2006, but it became a prominent issue in 2012 when it was adopted in St. Petersburg. That same year, Russia introduced the “foreign agents” law, and since 2013, the “propaganda” ban has applied nationwide.
From the earliest days of the full-scale war, LGBTQ+ topics have become a key element of state propaganda. LGBTQ+ people have been portrayed as avatars of the “collective West,” forces of evil and Satanism that Putin’s army is supposedly fighting against. But this rhetoric has extended beyond words alone.
In this article, we will briefly review the repressions against Russian LGBTQ+ people introduced by the authorities and how these are implemented in practice. First, here’s an outline of who is at the greatest risk of facing personal persecution:
- Employees of gay clubs, especially those in managerial roles.
- Drag performers.
- Civic activists.
- LGBTQ+ activists and bloggers.
- VKontakte users (most popular Russian social network similar to Facebook).
- Foreign nationals.
Ban on LGBTQ+ “Propaganda”
December 5, 2022.
Three articles were added to the Russian Federation Code of Administrative Offenses, which penalize “propaganda” (without clear criteria), any display to minors, and “propaganda of pedophilia.”
Penalties: fines; companies may face up to three months of suspended activity. Foreign nationals are subject to deportation, and fines can be replaced by 15-day detention.
Real cases:
- A steady stream of fines for online streaming services and TV stations;
- Fines issued after attacks on LGBTQ+-friendly clubs;
- Fines for activists;
- Deportation of foreign LGBTQ+, especially transgender sex workers;
- Arbitrary fines for VKontakte images;
- Arbitrary fines for “inappropriate” behavior;
- Censorship and self-censorship;
- Mass denunciations;
- Increased violence.
This “propaganda” article has become a versatile tool for pressure and arbitrary action. Civil activists are fined under this law — like Mikhail Kaverin recently (rus). Roskomnadzor, the media oversight agency, has initiated a wave of fines against online movie platforms and TV channels, such as synchronized fines totaling 17 million rubles (~$170,000/ ~€160,000) in September 2024.
Often, random individuals are caught up in the crackdown. Many are unprepared to deal with law enforcement, unsure of how to respond or where to seek help, and frequently end up admitting guilt.
Some fines are prohibitively high. In Slavyansk-on-Kuban, a young woman was fined 900,000 rubles (~$9,000/~€8,500) for old “saved items” VKontakte images (rus), and a student in Moscow faced a 500,000 rubles (~$5,000/~€4,700) fine (rus).
“Saved items” (known as “сохранёнки” in Russian) — a special feature on VKontakte where users can add any image they like from any page to their personal “saved photos” album with a single click. Active users may accumulate thousands of images there, mostly memes. By default, this album is public.
Raids on gay clubs have become more common. A recent incident in Yaroslavl (rus) has already resulted in at least seven “propaganda” cases, while a similar situation occurred earlier in Tula at the Amore Party.
It’s worth highlighting that foreigners face immediate deportation under this law — such as in the high-profile persecution of bloggers Gela and Haoyan. This is often the case for sex workers from Central Asia, like recently in the Tula region (rus).
Ban on Gender Transition
July 24, 2023.
Amendments to the laws “About Health Care” and “About Civil Status Records” have intensified LGBTQ+ repression, impacting the entire community indiscriminately, regardless of political beliefs, openness, or other factors.
Consequences:
- The process for changing gender markers was eliminated.
- Changing one’s gender marker now leads to marriage termination (akin to declaring death).
- Gender-affirming care was made illegal.
- Hormone therapy has shifted to informal, homemade production.
- Transgender people face increased likelihood of being denied medical care.
- Rising levels of transphobia and violence.
The ban on medical care was implemented without legal authorization for enforcement. Formally, doctors are prohibited from providing this care, yet they face no legal consequences if they choose to disregard the law. However, in practice, transgender individuals often have to seek supportive, “friendly” doctors almost clandestinely.
Transgender review commissions have been disbanded. Legal document changes are still possible through the courts, but all known cases involve detransition (reverting to one’s assigned gender at birth).
These restrictions have attracted more attention from transphobic individuals. For instance, Daria Lebedeva, a spokesperson for the St. Petersburg courts, frequently discusses transgender individuals who approach the court, suggesting that they can be “identified” through these actions (rus).
Also recommend an article about history of Russian Transphobia.
Increased Censorship of “LGBTQ+ Propaganda”
September 1, 2023.
A decree by Putin granted Roskomnadzor (the Russian communications watchdog) the authority to block internet resources containing LGBTQ+ “propaganda” based on its own internal criteria. These criteria were approved in April and took effect in September (rus), when Roskomnadzor also launched a portal for reporting “illegal” content.
Typically, the agency provides one day to “self-correct” and remove the flagged information, if it has an email contact for the site. Refusing to remove such content (under Article 13.50) or violating blocking directives (under Article 13.41) can result in fines: up to 100,000 rubles (~$1,000 / €950) for individuals and up to 4 million rubles ($40,000 / ~€38,000) for organizations.
Consequences:
- Direct censorship (Roskomnadzor sends letters demanding content removal).
- Self-censorship, primarily by streaming platforms and online retailers.
- Widespread blocking and unavailability of information for and about LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia.
- Imposed fines.
- Blocking and potential blocking of online platforms.
In September 2024, a court fined the Discord service 3.5 million rubles (~$35,000 / ~€33,000) and subsequently blocked it. Among the reasons cited was LGBTQ+-related content in certain channels. Accusations of “LGBTQ+ propaganda” have also surfaced in discussions about blocking YouTube.
“Extremist” Supreme Court Decision
November 30, 2023.
In a formal trial without defense representation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation instructed the Ministry of Justice to designate the “International Public Movement LGBTQ+” as an extremist organization. This suit, brought by the Ministry of Justice, now applies existing anti-extremism articles in the Russian Criminal Code and the Administrative Offenses Code to LGBTQ+ activities.
The “leaked” decision (rus) mentions a broad network of LGBTQ+ organizations but does not specify any names. This vague wording suggests that anyone can now be labeled an “extremist”—and indeed, both activists and non-political individuals are being targeted.
Real cases:
- Raids on clubs and trials for their employees;
- Personal retribution;
- Fines for displaying Pride symbols;
- Threat of real jail sentences for an indefinite range of actions;
- Increase in violence, including police violence;
- Leaks of personal information;
- Prosecution under “extremism financing” laws.
Currently, there are five criminal cases involving “LGBTQ+ extremism” in Russia (rus). Three of these stem from attacks on gay clubs, one targets a lesser-known regional activist, and one involves a regional businessman.
At least ten individuals are awaiting trial for “organizing or participating in an extremist community.” Eight of these individuals worked in gay clubs “behind closed doors.” Among the “evidence” cited for their guilt are wigs and dresses used for drag shows.
Penalties for Pride symbols are unpredictable. In similar situations, individuals can face charges both for LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and for displaying “extremist” Pride symbols. In the latter case, the fine is significantly lower (2,000 rubles, ~ $20/~€19), but an arrest may still occur.
The USSRboy’s Case
May 23, 2024.
The prosecution of LGBTQ+ individuals for “distribution of pornography” in Russia has been a concerning trend. A notable case is that of feminist activist Yulia Tsvetkova, who faced charges for her body-positive drawings of female anatomy. Under Russian law, sharing explicit images, such as nudes on platforms like Hornet, can be prosecuted under criminal statutes. In October 2022, former civil activist Dmitry Samoilenko was accused of distributing pornography, highlighting the broad application of these laws.
In Dagestan, the arrest of porn blogger Matvey Volodin marked the beginning of mass cases related to “pornography.” Volodin was detained and later received a suspended sentence. Following his case, there have been reports of other individuals facing similar charges, with some subjected to beatings and extortion.
It’s important to note that under Russian law, sending explicit images, such as “dick pics,” is considered a criminal offense. This legal framework has been used to target and intimidate LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to increased self-censorship and fear within the community.
Related Bans
Restrictions on LGBTQ+ content have become a model for new censorship measures. Currently, deputies and public groups are working to ban “propaganda” of:
- Childfree: already passed by the State Duma (the lower house of Russia’s parliament);
- Quadrobing: several initiatives, including parliamentary proposals, are under consideration;
- Abortion: several regions have already adopted restrictions, with potential expansion to the federal level.
In addition to these censorship efforts, the authorities are intensifying restrictions on Russians’ bodily autonomy. Alongside the bans on childfree and abortion “propaganda,” new measures include:
- An unspoken ban on abortions in private clinics;
- A stricter and more humiliating abortion procedure in the public healthcare sector.
There are also emerging voices in favor of a tax on childlessness, though this idea remains marginal for now.
Our Risks
Putin’s Russia has repeatedly shown how unpredictable repression can be. But once persecution has started, it tends not to end. Here are the current risks based on existing laws.
- Continued Raids on Clubs: Police and neo-Nazis will likely continue targeting visitors with violence, with some fined for “propaganda” and others facing jail time for “organizing an extremist community.” People with no connection to activism often fall victim to these crackdowns and are often unaware that they can seek help.
- Political Pressure: Law enforcement meticulously scrutinizes the social media profiles of people who come under their radar. Since the law lacks clear definitions for “propaganda,” even casual mentions of LGBTQ+ topics can become grounds for fines.
- Dividing the Community: The opposition has historically avoided addressing LGBTQ+ rights, but now LGBTQ+ individuals have become even more stigmatized. This situation is especially problematic for activists and politicians at risk of fines, as they may have to remain in the country or possess property or income from which fines could be deducted.
- Arbitrary Violence: It’s far easier for law enforcement to locate LGBTQ+ symbols than to apprehend extremists or hooligans. It’s unclear what drives officers when they penalize people unrelated to the LGBTQ+ community—whether it’s a performance metric or simple sadism. Foreigners are particularly vulnerable and are frequently expelled.
- Corruption: We are aware that police extort money from gay and bisexual individuals in Chechnya and Dagestan, but the scale of this issue in the rest of Russia remains unknown. For law enforcement, this has become a lucrative practice.
- Unspoken Endorsement of Violence: The authorities implicitly convey that “LGBTQ+ people are forbidden,” which emboldens homophobes to attack, blackmail, and report queer individuals. Homophobes are often more motivated by the spirit of the law than its specifics.
- Implicit Support for Medical Denial: Medical professionals interpret the laws and rumors in various ways. Some believe in a mythical “LGBTQ+ registry,” while others foresee an impending legalization of conversion therapy. This affects the quality of care they provide to LGBTQ+ patients.
- Penalties for Doctors: It seems only a matter of time before Russia’s State Duma follows Georgia’s lead in enforcing penalties on healthcare providers who assist transgender individuals.
- Real Conversion Therapy: Although it’s unlikely that Russia will officially legalize conversion therapy as a form of medical practice anytime soon, talk of it remains concerning and encourages homophobic sentiment. The true danger lies with private “rehabilitation centers,” which, in an atmosphere of hate, might start openly advertising these services.
Are We All Going to Die?
No, most of these repressions go unnoticed in everyday life. The most severe consequences — criminal cases, prison sentences, and fines in the hundreds of thousands — are very rare. However, the unpredictable nature of these penalties means they can affect random people. While it’s impossible to completely guard against this risk, keeping emergency contacts readily available can help.
Another pressing issue is the hidden consequences: heightened stress, increased difficulty in dating, and rising levels of everyday homophobia. Generally, Russian repression goes unnoticed unless you follow opposition media, but LGBTQ+ repression is different. Many Russians know that “LGBTQ+ is forbidden.” They may not know the specifics, but they frequently complain about anything vaguely rainbow-colored, like cakes or benches, and are quick to harass teachers, hairdressers, and others. As long as Queer repression serves as a distraction from the issues around the war in Ukraine, this violence is unlikely to end.
How to Support LGBTQ+ People in Russia
Despite the increasing dangers and restrictions, hundreds of lawyers, psychologists, and doctors remain in Russia, ready to support LGBTQ+ individuals. Several organizations continue to operate despite the risks and bans, and the community is doing better than you might expect. However, the harsh reality is that resources are woefully insufficient.
You can make a real difference by donating to organizations actively helping LGBTQ+ people in Russia. Some of these groups are unique in their work:
- Parni+: A main LGBTQ+ media outlet in Russian.
- NC SOS Crisis Group: Specializes in evacuating people from Chechnya and neighboring regions.
- Overcoming together: Provides support to queer families in Russia dealing with domestic violence.
Other organizations that continue their work and openly raise funds include:
- Translyaciya: Offers assistance to transgender individuals.
- Coming Out: Offers psychological, legal, and emergency assistance, along with advocacy efforts.
- Sphere Foundation: Offers psychological, legal, and emergency assistance, along with advocacy efforts.
It’s important to note that some organizations no longer have English-language platforms, don’t collect public donations, or have ceased making public statements. Nonetheless, the LGBTQ+ community in Russia continues to fight for its safety. We help one another, but the increasing risks mean we need more external support.
Yaroslav Rasputin.
jaroslavrasputin@gmail.com / lgbt@parniplus.com
