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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.

Brittney Griner, former Russian captive and current Olympian, celebrates historic prisoner swap

The WNBA star in Paris for the Olympics issued a joyful statement after news of the exchange spread.

Brittney Griner reveals she considered suicide while in Russian captivity

The WNBA legend opened up to Robin Roberts about the hopelessness she felt under the conditions she had to endure.

Police raid ‘My Little Pony’ gathering and a gay night at a local club in Russia

Police reportedly arrested nine of the “most feminine-looking” men at the gay night raid.

Duolingo faces investigation in Russia over LGBTQ+ content

Russia’s media watchdog scrutinized the language app for alleged ‘LGBT propaganda.’ Really.

Watch Jennifer Coolidge thank 'all the evil gays' in hilarious Emmys acceptance speech

Coolidge referenced her iconic scene in The White Lotus season two in her Emmys acceptance speech for best supporting actress in a drama series.

Russia Outlaws LGBTQ+ Rights Activism and Labels Organizations 'Extremist'

The move effectively eliminates LGBTQ+ support networks and signals a larger crackdown on the country's already vulnerable queer community.

Russia’s LGBTQ+ Community Fears Expected ‘Extremist’ Label in Court Ruling

Will Putin use a kangaroo court ruling to institute a crackdown and mass arrests?

Russia Announces Chilling Move to Label 'International Public LGBT Movement' as 'Extremist'

The move is a further escalation of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

Lesbian Artist Faces 8 Years in Russian Prison For Criticizing Putin, Military

Alexandra Skochilenko switched out price tags with anti-war messages in a supermarket protest last year.

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.