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We have great news from Russia!
Russia, which has deep, aggressive, anti-gay policies and culture, still can’t break the spirit of lesbians and the queer community. According to a recent story from NBC News, the gay and lesbian community is rising from the shadows of a forced closet to emerge out, proud, and unafraid.
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Just for a bit of perspective, Russia is active in its stance against gays and lesbians. From laws that can fine people for being gay in public to wielding propaganda to breed homophobic culture, Russia has a ways to go in terms of accepting and loving gay people.
But, per usual, the strength and resilience of the gay community is unparalleled, unmatched, and cannot be stifled. Gay activists are emerging as out and are actively working to change the perception of what it means to be gay in Russia.
Sasha Kazantseva, a lesbian in Saint Petersburg, is trying to change the narrative around what it means to be gay in Russia through media and art. In 2018, she created a digital magazine about queer Russian culture called O-Zine, which proudly showcases positive features, writeups, art, and stories about the thriving Russian queer communities.
According to Sasha, she says she hopes O-Zine helps empower LGBTQ Russians to feel proud of their identities.
“When you live under this risk daily, you start to just not care. We can be arrested the next day, but let’s do what we want to do, and let’s create beautiful things.”
In addition to creating more queer Russian art and publications, the article also reports that the Russian gay scene has grown as more and more people begin to attend gay parties and gay clubs.
No matter how you spin it, the lesbians of Russia are coming out and are not going back. We wish our Russian lesbian sisters endless support for their amazing courage! We’ll keep an eye out to let you guys know how to best support them in their journey.
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