"Being queer in Russia": Ilya Azar and Olesya Gerasimenko on The Insider spoke about repression and the survival of the LGBTQ+ community

On the YouTube channel The Insider Live A new episode of the show has been released Ilya Azar and Olesya Gerasimenko, which focuses on the lives of the LGBTQ+ community in the context of modern-day Russia. The video is titled "Being Queer in Russia: From Set-Up Dates and Violence to Emigration" analyzes the rapid deterioration of the human rights situation and the increase in repression.

In the video Ilya Azar and Olesya Gerasimenko They are discussing why LGBTQ+ people have become the target of hatred. According to the hosts, the government chose this group as "a convenient imaginary enemy" to unite society around a conservative agenda, since the topic of war did not elicit the expected unanimous enthusiasm. The authorities’ main goal is— hide visibility queer people, so that they are seen merely as a “scary story from TV” rather than as real neighbors, coworkers, or relatives.

Main topics of this issue:

• Escalation of Repression: The presenters note that since the start of the war, the crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ+ people has accelerated significantly. The source cites examples of daily fines for “propaganda,” arrests for displaying rainbow symbols, and the designation of human rights organizations—such as the Yekaterinburg-based “LGBT Resource Center” and the group “Vykhod”— as extremist.
• Criminal Prosecution: The video mentions the high-profile case of a Chita resident who was sentenced to four years in prison for working as a bartender at a queer club.
• Personal Survival Experience: This issue's featured guest, Victor, talks about his practice "set-up dates", during which people are attacked, robbed, or blackmailed, as well as about visits by law enforcement officers to private, closed-door events and bars in Moscow. He describes life in Russia as a constant movement between “safe bubbles” amid everyday homophobia and the risk of being denounced by neighbors.
• Issues Related to Emigration: Activist Elizaveta, who left Russia after receiving threats over the “Love Is Not Propaganda” protest, shares the challenges she faces in obtaining legal status abroad. She is currently appealing her deportation case from the United States.

The episode is available on the Insider Life channel, where the creators also encourage viewers to support their work through crowdfunding platforms.