Queers in Russia don't let it get them down
More courage is almost impossible. Queers in Russia are exposed to numerous repressions. And a look into the future does not bode well either. After all, the laws against homosexuals are to be tightened even further. However, there are always bright spots that show that the community does not let itself be defeated even under such adverse circumstances.
Especially the action of the Russian artist Pyotr Voskresensky has managed to make waves here in recent days. He has decided to open Russia's first gay museum in St. Petersburg.
How long this will be open remains to be seen. After all, if the new anti-LGBTQIA+ law becomes active in Russia, establishments like this will officially no longer be allowed to operate. Nevertheless, this is a strong sign that undoubtedly requires not only a lot of creativity, but also courage.
What does the tightening of the law mean in detail?
The anti-LGBTQIA+ law, which is now to be tightened once again, has already existed in Russia since 2013. It will soon be forbidden to make homosexuality look positive to adults - in any respect. Until the tightening of the law, the requirements only referred to depictions towards children and young people up to the age of 18.
With regard to the tightening of the specifications, the Russian parliament was unanimous. The new requirements were adopted unanimously. Now all that is actually left is for Putin himself to agree. There is a high probability that the law will be adopted in its new form. It could even become law in December.
However, there are many questions associated with the new guidelines, among others. One might be, "What actions or what representations are evidence that a person portrays homosexuality as 'good'?" Is it enough to have sex with a same-sex partner?
It is already certain that in the future many books and magazines will be banned in Russia. And this is precisely where Pyotr Voskresensky's Gay Museum comes into play. He wants to use the possibly last days before the law to exhibit relevant books and co. once again.
Pyotr Voskresensky must close his gay museum again
When the new law comes into force, Pyotr Voskresensky will no longer be allowed to open the doors of his museum without incurring heavy fines.
And the rest of the Russian community is also worried. For example, anyone who enters Russia from another country and distributes documents here that deal positively with the issue of homosexuality risks even a prison sentence. Much is still unclear. And that is exactly what scares so many queers in Russia at the moment. Public life and also the cultural sphere have already changed. In the future, there will certainly be even more cuts here.
Already, many queers in Russia keep drawing comparisons to the book burnings and "degenerate art" that was always talked about during the Nazi era in Germany.
What happens officially in Russia under the guise of protecting the family and tradition has a great impact on many people. It is impossible to say exactly how many homosexuals or queers in general live in Russia. The number of unreported cases is probably very high due to all the discrimination.
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