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Russia

News from within the borders of Russia and the fight for LGBT equality there. The country's president, Vladimir Putin, ignited an international firestorm in the summer after signing the so-called gay propaganda law, which prohibits positive depictions of LGBT people in the Russian media. Russia is a country in southern Eurasia. It is also the world's largest country, although it ranks eighth most populous. Russia has a rich cultural heritage, and has contributed such figures as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Anton Chekhov, Anna Pavlova, and Igor Stravinsky.

Gay Chechen Singer Killed on Order of Strongman Ramzan Kadyrov: Report

The Putin ally was reportedly insulted he shook hands with a gay man.

Yandex CEO Charged Under Russia’s Anti-LGBTQ+ “Propaganda” Laws

The company had earlier been fined for not restricting access to films like Brigit Jones’ Diary.

Russia Targets LGBTQ+ Community with Mental Health Directive

Putin directs sexologists to treat homosexuality the same as bestiality.

Gay TikTok Couple Arrest Under Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

One man says he is "scared" for his boyfriend who remains in jail.

Russian Authorities Detain Gay Refugee, Activists Fear He's Being Tortured

He arrived in Russia from Europe to attend his father's funeral after fleeing the region in 2018 due to persecution because he's gay.

Russian Tennis Champ Daria Kasatkina Says She's Relieved After Coming Out

Kasatkina not only came out as queer, but she's also been a vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

New Russian Law Bans Well-Known LGBTQ+ Films like Call Me by Your Name

The purge of films, including Brokeback Mountain, began last year.

Brittney Griner Pens Holiday Letter Asking for Support for Paul Whelan

Brittney Griner gave supporters an address to which they can send Paul Whelan encouraging letters. 

Brittney Griner Released From Medical Care, Says She Will Play Again

The WNBA star who was released from Russian captivity on December 8 has left the facility in Texas where she had been undergoing treatment to help reintegrate into American society.

Freeing Brittney: How They Got Griner Home

When the most famous female athlete in the world was arrested in Russia -- days before that nation started a war -- it set off a desperate nine-month scramble.

Brittney Griner Lands in the U.S.

The out basketball star landed Friday at an Army base in Texas after being released by Russia.

Senior White House Adviser: Team Effort Won Brittney Griner’s Release

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta and the director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, on the herculean effort that resulted in Griner's freedom.

 

Russia Shares Footage of Brittney Griner on Plane, Her Release

The out basketball star is on her way home.

Brittney Griner Release Major Diplomatic Victory for U.S.

The Biden administration secured custody of the lesbian athlete quietly and announced her freedom in an early morning press conference. 

Brittney Griner Released from Russian Detention

The out WNBA star was released as part of a reported prisoner swap for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.

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Putin Signs Extreme Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Into Law

The law extends the current ban to prohibit sharing LGBTQ-related information with adults as well.

Stricter Anti-LGBTQ+ "Propaganda" Bill Heads to Putin's Desk

The proposal toughens the 2013 law against so-called "gay propaganda."

Russia's State Duma Approves Bill to Ban 'LGBT propaganda'

Those found to be spreading so-called "LGBT propaganda" could face a fine up to $6,600.

Russia Reiterates Interest in Prisoner Exchange for Brittney Griner

It comes only a day after Brittney Griner's legal team confirmed that the lesbian Basketball star has been moved to a penal colony.

Brittney Griner's Lawyers Confirm WNBA Star Moved to Penal Colony

Russian penal colonies are often harsh facilities for political prisoners, according to the U.S. State Department.