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Russia

News from within the borders of Russia and the fight for LGBT equality there. The country's president, Vladimir Putin, ignited an international firestorm in the summer after signing the so-called gay propaganda law, which prohibits positive depictions of LGBT people in the Russian media. Russia is a country in southern Eurasia. It is also the world's largest country, although it ranks eighth most populous. Russia has a rich cultural heritage, and has contributed such figures as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Anton Chekhov, Anna Pavlova, and Igor Stravinsky.

Brittney Griner, former Russian captive and current Olympian, celebrates historic prisoner swap

The WNBA star in Paris for the Olympics issued a joyful statement after news of the exchange spread.

Duolingo faces investigation in Russia over LGBTQ+ content

Russia’s media watchdog scrutinized the language app for alleged ‘LGBT propaganda.’ Really.

Russia Announces Chilling Move to Label 'International Public LGBT Movement' as 'Extremist'

The move is a further escalation of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

Gay Chechen Singer Killed on Order of Strongman Ramzan Kadyrov: Report

The Putin ally was reportedly insulted he shook hands with a gay man.

Gay TikTok Couple Arrest Under Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

One man says he is "scared" for his boyfriend who remains in jail.

Russian Tennis Champ Daria Kasatkina Says She's Relieved After Coming Out

Kasatkina not only came out as queer, but she's also been a vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Man arrested under Russia's 'international LGBT extremism' law dies in custody

Andrei Kotov ran a travel agency that reportedly catered to gay men.

Brittney Griner reveals she considered suicide while in Russian captivity

The WNBA legend opened up to Robin Roberts about the hopelessness she felt under the conditions she had to endure.

Watch Jennifer Coolidge thank 'all the evil gays' in hilarious Emmys acceptance speech

Coolidge referenced her iconic scene in The White Lotus season two in her Emmys acceptance speech for best supporting actress in a drama series.

Russia Outlaws LGBTQ+ Rights Activism and Labels Organizations 'Extremist'

The move effectively eliminates LGBTQ+ support networks and signals a larger crackdown on the country's already vulnerable queer community.

Yandex CEO Charged Under Russia’s Anti-LGBTQ+ “Propaganda” Laws

The company had earlier been fined for not restricting access to films like Brigit Jones’ Diary.

Russian Authorities Detain Gay Refugee, Activists Fear He's Being Tortured

He arrived in Russia from Europe to attend his father's funeral after fleeing the region in 2018 due to persecution because he's gay.

New Russian Law Bans Well-Known LGBTQ+ Films like Call Me by Your Name

The purge of films, including Brokeback Mountain, began last year.

Russian police raid clubs in crackdown on LGBTQ+ 'propaganda,' make arrests

About a dozen people were arrested and convicted of "petty hooliganism."

Russian parliament seeks to ban ‘childfree propaganda’ and adoption by foreign trans families in latest moves

The two bills are the latest in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.

Police raid ‘My Little Pony’ gathering and a gay night at a local club in Russia

Police reportedly arrested nine of the “most feminine-looking” men at the gay night raid.

Russian Parents Are Kidnapping Their LGBTQ+ Children and Sending Them to Conversion Therapy Camps

Survivors are speaking out about their horrifying ordeals.

Russia’s LGBTQ+ Community Fears Expected ‘Extremist’ Label in Court Ruling

Will Putin use a kangaroo court ruling to institute a crackdown and mass arrests?

Lesbian Artist Faces 8 Years in Russian Prison For Criticizing Putin, Military

Alexandra Skochilenko switched out price tags with anti-war messages in a supermarket protest last year.

Russia Targets LGBTQ+ Community with Mental Health Directive

Putin directs sexologists to treat homosexuality the same as bestiality.