Russian Activist on U.S. Tour

Prominent Russian gay activist Nikolay Alekseyev will undertake a speaking tour of U.S. cities February 26 through March 7.

Alekseyev made news last year with reports of his detention and kidnapping, allegedly by Russian government agents, when he tried to board a plane from Moscow to Geneva, and the announcement of the European Court of Human Rights ruling that Russia violated the continent's human rights law by banning gay pride observances in Moscow. Alekseyev was a plaintiff in the case. Russia is appealing the ruling, but it appears likely to be upheld, with a decision expected before this year's pride event, set for May 28.

Alekseyev will be accompanied by Andy Thayer of Chicago's Gay Liberation Network, the national sponsor of his tour, and local gay groups will host the events in each city. Thayer has participated in two Moscow pride observances and written extensively on the topic. Alekseyev will also present the U.S. premiere of a short film documenting the history of Moscow gay pride.

The schedule of public events is as follows:

- February 26, 2 p.m., Merlo Public Library, 644 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- March 1, 5:30 p.m., Columbia University Faculty House, New York City
- March 2, 7 p.m., LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St., New York City
- March 3, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, time to be determined
- March 4, 7 p.m., Cathedral of Hope-Interfaith Peace Chapel, 5910 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas
- March 5, 3-5 p.m., West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood
- March 6, 3-5 p.m., Mizell Center, 480 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, Calif.
- March 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m., LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St., San Francisco

For more information, click here or e-mail LGBTliberation@aol.com.