The topic this month that seems to be on everyone's lips? Russia.
Putin's Anti-Gay laws, enforced arrests, and the ravaging homophobia in Russia are almost barbaric to the world. But what does it look like from the inside. Nick and Mike (who have asked to be called this for safety's sake) are my two Russian pen-pals; both gay teens living in St. Petersburg, and agreed to a short interview about how this law affects them. Nick and Mike are both students, and help run a sort of underground GLBTQIA in Russia, and were more than happy to talk to me about it.
Q: What do you two think about the media explosion to do with Russia?
N: I sort of cringe when I hear that. I mean, in my mind, it's mostly Putin and the Police. I don't know how I feel about all the boycotting of the Russian products when it isn't the businesses.
M: I mean, I think it's awesome. I think everything, including the boycotting, can only grab attention and make people actually stop and think about this issue. I don't think there really is any downside. All eyes on Putin, and his crazy homophobia, and hopefully people will start to notice his near-communist hold on the government. Or maybe that's just me.
N: But, I mean, most of the products being boycotted are, I think, alcohol (N was referring to the famous Chicago gay bar banning russian vodka) and I'm not sure it's right to do that. But anyway, I think the media explosion is awesome. Putin is under, really, universal criticism.
M: Yeah, it's cool.
Q: Now, Putin also banned "Gay Propaganda". What?
M: I love that. Propaganda. I feel like we're fascist leaders or something.
N: Hey, let's be PC. But wow. I don't even know whats considered Propaganda. I know that Rainbow things, like flags and stuff, are a big no.
M: I mean, I guess any advertisements that have gay couples in it.
N: I don't really think there are many of those. Maybe it's just a precaution? The specifics of the laws are always being debated. Putin, I think, is just taking precautions of the vaguest degrees.
M: Emphasis on vague.
N: I'm thinking we should get some subliminal messages showing.
M: Oh yes, rainbow hearts during movies. We've got it all figured out!
Q: With that in mind, how does the Russian media handle this? Are there any demonstrations?
M: Afisha, which is a magazine here, did a big "Come out" issue. Rainbow cover and everything.
N: I hope they aren't shut down or something. And I don't know if you've heard of Anton Krasovsky, but he actually said he was gay, on TV!
M: It was insane. But everyone talks about it, just not real publicly. Us Russians love our gossip! Right?
Q: I hear a lot about how you can be reported as gay and if you don't tell someone, you're arrested.
N: It's terrible. In addition to how everyone ends up finger pointing-
M: No one wants to be a suspect, you know?
N: In addition to that when beating and such happens, people, and youth especially, are terrified to alert the authorities. You hear a lot about how Police sometimes just don't even show up if they think it's to do with GLBTQIA stuff. And that's true.
Q: And they come to you?
N: The teens? Yeah.
M: It's really scary when it happens, and we can't do a lot.
N: I want to try and get some medical training, anything I can, just so I can help more. I mean, no one should have to get hurt like that and then stay quiet.
M: It really angers me. It angers a lot of people.
Q: But you guys do a lot.
N: I mean, it't the little things.
M: We aren't rich, but we have food and a couch to sleep on. And that's a lot, for some people.
N: And the knowledge that someone has your back.
M: It would be awesome if we could do more, but I think if we got any bigger, or advertised it in anyway...
N: The Police would come knocking.
Q: A lot of Russian teens are moving out of the country. What do you guys think?
N: I think get Putin out of here.
M: Send him to Antarctica or something.
N: But I don't know, this is not my home, it feels, anymore...Most of my friends are going to college in Germany or London, just so they can hold hands in a big city and not fear for their well being.
M: That's all I want. Being normal is good.
N: Yes, we could use normal. But a lot of people need us.
Have a question for Nick or Mike? Ask me (Lizzy) so I can e-mail them!
Major support for Nick and Mike, who are so brave to do this in Russia. Links:
