How LGBTQ+ People Are Persecuted in Russia: From Book Bans to Raids on Clubs and Criminal Cases

Repression against the LGBTQ+ community in Russia is nothing new. Since 2013, the country has had a law banning “LGBT propaganda” among minors. But since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the pressure on queer people has intensified significantly.

Doberman Media has compiled a summary of the key ways in which Russian authorities are tightening the screws.

A complete ban on “LGBT propaganda” for everyone

Three years ago, December 5, 2022, Vladimir Putin signed a law banning any “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships”—regardless of the audience’s age. The law targets materials that, according to officials, “depict LGBT content” or “encourage gender reassignment.”

Fines have been added to the Code of Administrative Offenses: for ordinary citizens—from 50,000 rubles (approximately 556 euros) to 400,000 rubles (approximately 4,448 euros); for government officials—from 100,000 rubles (approximately 1,112 euros) to 800,000 rubles (approximately 8,896 euros); for companies—from 800,000 rubles (approximately 8,896 euros) to 5 million rubles (approximately 55,600 euros) or a 90-day suspension of operations. The law has hit the internet, the media, books, streaming services, movies, and advertising. Publishers, bookstores, libraries, and online movie theaters have begun hastily removing content to avoid facing sanctions. ^{(Расчёты основаны на курсе 1 RUB ≈ 0.01112 EUR на 5 декабря 2025 года.)}

List of Banned Books: From Dostoevsky to Murakami

In December 2022, the Association of Internet Retailers (AKIT) compiled a list of more than 250 books that are allegedly subject to a ban. Among them are classics by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, Stefan Zweig, and others. The authorities have decided that any mention of same-sex relationships constitutes propaganda.

Self-Censorship in Film: Gay Characters and Entire Movies Have Disappeared

Movie streaming platforms have also joined in on self-censorship, as noted by “Kinopoisk” in July 2023. The word “gay” was removed from the Russian dub of *Sex and the City*. *Call Me by Your Name*, *Brokeback Mountain*, and other films with LGBT themes disappeared from streaming services. Experts report that in the second quarter of 2023 alone, 33 reports were filed against video streaming services for depicting “non-traditional” relationships among minors—according to data from the State Duma Committee on Information Policy.

The Ban on Gender Reassignment: From Passports to Hormones

In July 2023, a law went into effect that prohibits changing the gender marker on a passport and undergoing gender-affirming surgery—except in cases of congenital anomalies. For those who have already changed their gender marker, the path to adoption or guardianship has been closed. Additionally, a marriage can be annulled if one of the partners changes their gender.

After that, many transgender people lost access to hormone medications—they are now unavailable through legal channels.

Adoption Ban: A Blow to Children in the Name of “Traditional Values”

In November 2024 Putin signed yet another law: Citizens of countries where gender reassignment is permitted are prohibited from adopting or taking Russian children into foster care. The changes were made to the Family Code. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called this “the protection of childhood and traditional values.” The explanatory note explicitly states that the goal is to prevent LGBT people from adopting.

Ryan Hanlon of the U.S. National Council on Adoption called this a tragedy in an interview with Voice of America: “Political views are being prioritized over the best interests of the child.”

"The 'LGBT Extremist Movement': A Ban on a Non-Existent Organization"

On November 30, 2023, the Supreme Court, acting on a lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Justice, designated the “International LGBT Public Movement” as an extremist organization and banned it—even though no such organization actually exists. In March 2024, Rosfinmonitoring added it to the registry of terrorists and extremists.

Human rights defenders and activists who use LGBT symbols, donate to support the cause, or fight against discrimination now face criminal charges. Community leaders face up to 12 years in prison. Activists who display such symbols again will first face a fine or detention for up to 15 days, followed by criminal charges carrying up to 4 years in a penal colony or a fine of up to one million rubles.

Raids on Clubs: From Closures to Databases

After the “extremist” designation, security forces carried out raids on LGBT clubs. In St. Petersburg, the legendary “Central Station” closed down. Many venues have gone underground: they’ve shut down their social media accounts and now post announcements only to their inner circle, without photos.

In early 2025, "Medusa" Released Investigation: During raids on clubs and inspections of clinics, the police are collecting data on LGBT people. Authorities are reportedly discussing the creation of a unified database for monitoring. The authors of the investigation warn that this will open the door to blackmail and persecution. From November 2023 to January 2025, raids took place in at least 18 regions—police humiliated patrons and recorded their personal information. Some queer people have emigrated out of fear.

Criminal Cases: From Bars to Death in Pretrial Detention Centers

The first criminal case involving “extremism” following the ban was opened in March 2024—against the owner and employees of Pose, a gay bar in Orenburg. In July, the case went to trial, and the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

One of the most talked-about — The Andrei Kotov Case, the owner of the travel agency “Men Travel.” A Moscow court found him guilty of organizing an “extremist LGBT organization” and using minors in pornography. According to the prosecution, he organized tours for queer people—allegedly a New Year’s trip to Egypt and a cruise on the Volga River. Kotov denied the charges, saying that these were ordinary outings and fishing trips.

The case was closed because Kotov's death: In December 2024, he was found dead at the “Vodnik” pretrial detention center. Investigators ruled it a suicide. Since his relatives did not request that the case be closed, he was tried posthumously.