In Russia, simply being yourself is a risk and can lead to harassment, violence, or worse. The government is trying to erase LGBT+ lives, but queer people persist. Their stories deserve to be heard.
Stand with Russia’s LGBT+ community – because love is not a crime, and none of us are free until all of us are free.
In Russia today, even a simple act of love or self-expression can carry extraordinary risks. A kiss at a bus stop. A first date in a park. A job interview. A visit to the barber.
For queer people, these everyday moments can lead to discrimination, harassment, or worse.
The Russian government is actively erasing LGBT+ lives – tightening laws, silencing voices, and forcing people to live in fear. But despite everything, love persists. Our community persists. Our stories persist.
This campaign brings together voices from across Russia – stories of love and loss, resilience and repression. Stories that demand to be heard. Each one is paired with a piece of art by a Russian artist, turning personal memories into powerful acts of resistance.
We refuse to let the Russian government make queer lives invisible. We refuse to accept a world where love is a crime.
Read the stories of LGBT+ people in Russia and join us in standing in solidarity with them.
About a first meeting full of excitement and love
Our first meeting was at my place in early October. Until that day, we had only been texting. It was incredibly nerve-wracking because we were about to see each other in person for the first time. But I was already head over heels for her. (…)
About a fleeting but unforgettable moment
I keep remembering our meeting, that dark autumn evening. For me, that step was both so timid and so brave.
About love in the rain
I met a guy on a dating app. We quickly agreed to meet, and our spot was Jubilee Park in this city. At that moment, there were hardly any people around. We walked, talked, and laughed. He told me about himself, and I shared my story too. Then, suddenly, a heavy rain started pouring down. And there was no one else left in the park—just us.
About a first step toward self-acceptance
Right here, in the area around the drama theater, I walked with a childhood friend who I liked and who accepted me.
About a bus stop full of memories
I want to tell you about a magical and deeply meaningful place—or rather, about a person who is very dear to me and the simplest city bus stop.
About economic hardship and the impact of discrimination on life
The problem is that I can’t get a job with a female marker in my passport and a mismatched name. I can make up stories about a bank account or ask a friend’s mom to rent an apartment in her name, but how do I find work with nothing to show?
About the fear of being yourself at work and societal pressure
I constantly worry about how my orientation would be perceived at work. I have to control every aspect of my life, pretending to be ‘normal,’ including monitoring my social media and leisure activities, so no one finds out who I am and reports it to my employer.
About discrimination at a barbershop
After getting my haircut and paying, the barbershop receptionist messaged me ten minutes later to say they only serve ‘real men,’ accused me of lying about everything, and told me I wasn’t welcome anymore.
About fear of the system and threats to life
Without a military ID, I can’t get official employment or re-enroll in university to finish my degree after being expelled. That means no stable job, no long-term prospects, just scraping by through unofficial gigs with no rights or protections.
About repression for self-expression
Since the passage of the extremism law, expressing myself freely has become impossible.
Nowhere is safe until everywhere is safe.
Nowhere is safe until everywhere is safe.
The stories of queer people in Russia are stories of love, defiance, and survival under a government that seeks to erase them. But this repression is spreading.
From Russia to Hungary, from Uganda to the U.S., leaders are scapegoating LGBT+ people to divide societies and tighten control.
But just as hate crosses borders, so does solidarity. By listening to the voices of queer people in Russia – by sharing their stories and refusing to look away – we strengthen a global movement to push back.
The repression we see in Russia must not be allowed to spread further. Stand with Russia’s LGBT+ community. Stand with all of us. Because none of us are safe until all of us are safe.
Add your name today to a powerful message of defiance, solidarity, and hope for queer people in Russia.
Make a donation to directly fuel the work of courageous Russian LGBT+ groups – and help protect LGBT+ lives in Russia.
As we amplify the voices of Russia’s LGBT+ community, we also honor the courage of Ukrainians resisting Putin’s war of aggression. Together, we fight for a world where love and freedom prevail.
Share the stories of LGBT+ people in Russia
Click on the share buttons and get the news out by using the hashtags #QueerResilience #LoveAndFearInRussia
This campaign is run by All Out, LGBTQ+ Group ComingOut, and the Union of Russian LGBT Organizations.*
*The real name of the organization has been changed for security reasons