During Wartime, LGBTQ Repression in Russia Escalates
Wartime LGBTQ Repression Russia
A Community Under Siege
As Russia pushes forward with its war efforts, its crackdown on the LGBTQ community has intensified under the banner of preserving "traditional values." This tightening grip has led many individuals to flee the country, fearing for their safety. Among them is Mikhail* (name changed), a young gay man from Ufa, whose passion for drag once promised a bright future.
"I used to tour, compete, and connect with other artists. Drag was supposed to be my path," he shared with Al Jazeera.
The Slow Erosion of Freedom
Mikhail recalls that life in Russia wasn’t always openly hostile, but over time, the atmosphere grew more oppressive.
"First, restrictions started appearing in the club scene," he said. "Venues were pressured to limit performances by Ukrainian artists, and LGBTQ topics became completely off-limits. Outside of work, the fear never went away."
The situation reached a breaking point when a police raid targeted the club where he performed.
"I’ve been through raids before, but this one was different—harsher," he explained. "After enduring back-to-back interrogations lasting nearly nine hours, the psychological pressure became unbearable. I had no choice but to leave Russia."
LGBTQ Rights as a Political Target
As the government strengthens its control over society, it has increasingly labeled LGBTQ individuals as a destabilizing force. An activist from Sphere, an organization that tracks LGBTQ rights violations in Russia, notes that before 2022, discrimination was largely systemic but not always violent.
Since the expansion of anti-LGBTQ legislation—including the extension of the "gay propaganda" ban in 2022 and the prohibition of gender transition in 2023—state-led violence now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all reported abuses.
A History of Oppression
Russia’s stance on LGBTQ rights has shifted dramatically over the decades. Homosexuality was decriminalized briefly in 1917 but reinstated as a criminal offense under Stalin in 1934, leading to mass incarcerations. Later, LGBTQ individuals were classified as mentally ill and subjected to forced institutionalization.
It was only after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1993 that these laws were abolished. However, by the 2010s, new restrictions emerged, justified as measures to "protect children" from so-called harmful influences.
The State’s War on Identity
Under Vladimir Putin’s administration, LGBTQ identities are now framed as a Western agenda designed to undermine Russian traditions.
"Authorities make no distinction between being LGBTQ and criminal behavior like pedophilia," explained Noel Shaida, communications director at Sphere.
In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT movement" an extremist organization, despite the absence of any centralized entity by that name. This vague classification has opened the door for mass persecution.
"Any group supporting LGBTQ individuals risks being accused of extremist activities, which can lead to criminal charges and severe prison sentences," added a Sphere representative.
Raids, Surveillance, and Fear
Over 40 raids on LGBTQ-friendly spaces have been reported since late 2023. Some venue owners have faced charges for "extremist activity," while others received fines for alleged "propaganda."
"In several incidents, patrons were forced to undress and remain on freezing floors for hours," said Sphere.
Authorities have also been accused of using coercion tactics, including physical abuse.
"In one case, police forced people into stress positions until someone unlocked their phone," an eyewitness recounted.
Law enforcement officials have also made targeted arrests at LGBTQ events and through dating apps, frequently accusing individuals of illegal propaganda or drug possession.
A Database for LGBTQ Persecution
According to Meduza, an independent news outlet now operating from exile in Latvia, Russian authorities are compiling a database of LGBTQ individuals. Information gathered from police raids and medical records of transgender people is reportedly being stored for future use.
"These files could serve as evidence for fabricated criminal cases or be used to pressure people into becoming informants," said Irina, an advocacy director at Sphere.
A Growing Exodus
With the increasing threat of persecution, many LGBTQ Russians are desperately seeking refuge abroad. Human rights lawyer Anastasia Burakova, founder of Kovcheg (The Ark), confirmed that more people are reaching out for help.
"We’ve set up emergency shelters in places like Serbia and Turkey. The number of LGBTQ individuals seeking escape is rising sharply," she stated.
The Struggle Between Hope and Despair
Despite the worsening conditions, activists continue to fight for the community’s survival.
"We believe in a future where LGBTQ+ people can live freely," said Noel Shaida. "Governments change, and no law can erase our existence."
Mikhail, however, sees a grim reality ahead.
"People will comply with the government’s demands at the cost of their true selves," he said. "I fear that suicide rates will rise as a result."
Source: Al Jazeera and https://queervibesmag.com/war-repression-lgbtq-russia/
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