TALLINN, Estonia — Gela Gogishvili and Haoyang Xu once enjoyed a fulfilling life together as a gay couple in Russia, despite the rising antagonism towards LGBTQ+ individuals from President Vladimir Putin’s administration. Their vibrant social media presence garnered a substantial following, and they often received affectionate greetings from fans while walking the streets of Kazan, where Gogishvili worked as a pharmacist, and Xu, originally from China, pursued international relations at a local university.
However, everything changed with the Kremlin’s decision in December 2022 to broaden its ban on “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” from minors to adults, criminalizing any public promotion of LGBTQ+ rights. This led to a surge in threats against the couple, ultimately resulting in their arrests in 2023 for allegedly disseminating “LGBT propaganda” among minors. Gogishvili faced a significant fine, whereas Xu was placed in a detention facility for migrants, pending deportation.
After successfully escaping Russia separately, they reunited in France and are currently seeking asylum, living with anxiety over the severe new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being enforced back home. Russia’s Supreme Court had previously declared all LGBTQ+ activism illegal, labeling it as extremist, which has created a climate of fear among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
“I fear for those who remain in Russia,” Gogishvili expressed, emphasizing his concern for the marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals still facing oppression. Over the past decade, that community has endured escalating legal and social pressures, particularly after Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, which Putin frames as a confrontation with Western ideals that threaten traditional family values, including LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite insisting otherwise, Putin has labeled any non-heteronormative lifestyles as “perversions,” contributing to an atmosphere where public expressions of gay and transgender identities are outlawed. New laws prohibit gender-affirming healthcare and legal changes to gender identity, with the latest Supreme Court ruling allowing prison sentences for LGBTQ+ affiliations of up to six years.
As a result, many individuals have opted to leave Russia; however, a significant number continue to live in fear, operating in secrecy while feeling marginalized by society. Olga Baranova, head of the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives, highlighted the risks involved as many activists question the potential consequences of their actions in light of the harsh penalties they could face.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, police began raiding bars and nightclubs known for hosting LGBTQ+ events, leading to a climate of paranoia and violence. Reports surfaced of arrests related to the mere display of rainbow flags, with even those not part of the LGBTQ+ community facing backlash.
Putin has recently signed legislation prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender-affirming care is legal, alongside other laws that discourage the dissemination of pro-LGBTQ+ material. This environment aims to cultivate a constant state of fear rather than outright repression, according to local activists.
In response, underground LGBTQ+ rights groups have emerged, providing essential legal aid and organizing discreet gatherings. Many regional organizations have ceased operations altogether, while others have moved online in an attempt to preserve community ties. Baranova explained their mission is to maintain a semblance of community and support among members, even if it means operating clandestinely.
Some organizations have transitioned to offering online support, while activists work tirelessly to address the increasing violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Yet, many face significant challenges, including obtaining gender-affirming medical care, as health care providers have become increasingly hesitant to assist transgender individuals due to the hostile legal landscape.
Through this oppressive atmosphere, some individuals like Anna, a 25-year-old transgender woman, refuse to leave Russia, finding elements of privilege within her situation. Despite the risks, she has built a support network and manages to navigate her identity discreetly to maintain her employment. Other transgender individuals, such as Yulia, remain committed to challenging prevailing societal norms and presenting a narrative rooted in strength rather than victimization.
The crackdown on LGBTQ+ representation has led to the censorship of any portrayals of diverse sexual orientations across various media formats. For instance, some streaming platforms have even removed transgender characters from popular series. Alongside this censorship, there is rampant public denunciation of the LGBTQ+ community by politicians and various social figures.
Many, like Gogishvili, express concerns for the future generations of LGBTQ+ youth in Russia. He reflected on the emotional toll that societal stigma can have, noting that many young individuals will grow up internalizing harmful messages about their identities.
“I was unable to accept who I was until I reached my twenties,” he lamented, underscoring the need for empathetic understanding and support for those figuring out their identities amidst oppression. Those insights echo the sentiments of many in an increasingly volatile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia.
