Russia Gay Events & Hotspots
Gay Country Rank: 183/193
Russia has traditionally held attitudes towards homosexuality as evidenced by recent polls indicating widespread opposition to its acceptance and support for discriminatory laws. Despite criticism of increasing social discrimination and violence against homosexuals in the country larger cities, like Moscow and Saint Petersburg are said to have vibrant lgbtq+ communities.
However local governments have historically shown resistance towards gay pride parades. In 2010 the European Court of Human Rights fined them for interpreting these parades as discriminatory. Despite this the city of Moscow has denied permission for 100 requests to hold Moscow Pride until 2012 citing concerns about potential violence against participants.
Since 2006 different regions in Russia have implemented laws that limit the distribution of materials promoting lgbtq+ relationships to minors. In June 2013 a federal law was passed criminalizing the distribution of materials among minors under an existing child protection law. This law has led to arrests of Russian lgbtq+ citizens who publicly oppose it and has sparked a rise in anti gay protests, violence and even hate crimes. The international community including human rights observers lgbtq+ activists and media outlets have strongly criticized this law as it effectively criminalizes lgbtq+ culture. Although the European Court of Human Rights deemed the law inconsistent with freedom of expression protection it remains unrepealed, as of 2021.
In a report published on April 13 2017 a group of five expert advisors appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Vitit Muntarbhorn, Sètondji Roland Adjovi, Agnès Callamard, Nils Melzer and David Kaye. Strongly criticized the incidents of torture and violence targeting gay men in Chechnya.
Gay Moscow is definitely worth exploring if you're interested in a nightlife scene. While there may not be clubs exclusively for the lgbtq+Q+ community in Moscow they do offer some amazing gay themed nights at the trendiest clubs in Russia. Don't let any preconceived notions about Russias landscape deter you from experiencing this vibrant city. The locals are always up, for having a time and its worth checking out some popular gathering spots too!
It’s best to avoid openly displaying your sexuality. Don’t hold hands in public or display any outward shows of affection, especially in cities and towns outside of St Petersburg and Moscow, and don’t wear 'openly out apparel' (pride badges, rainbow flags etc.. It is not advisable to discuss anti gay laws and attitudesin public or with people you don’t know.
You should have no problem booking a double room for a same sex couple in a large city hotel although the further you get from St Petersburg and Moscow, the more staff eyebrows will rise. Avoid pro-lgbtq+ protests, demonstrations and marches as these are magnets for far right groups; don’t expect protection from police or security services attending these events.
If you are checking out the scene in Moscow or St Petersburg be careful when you’re leaving a premises, especially at night. Book a taxi with a trusted firm in advance and be sure to arrange a safe place to pick up and drop off. Basically, if you are looking to investigate Moscow’s and St Petersburg’s gay scenes be discreet and don’t take risks when it comes to partying or meeting people that you don’t know.
Read the British Government’s lgbtq+ foreign travel advice.
lgbtq+ TRAVEL IN RUSSIA
Russia is vast, and attitudes vary across its expanse as much as the landscape. Sightseeing with a small group in Moscow and St Petersburg will bring you into close contact with urban Russians, while on cruises around Russia’s Far East, you’ll encounter little more than Arctic wildlife. Taking the Trans Siberian Railway will take you across remote tundra, of course – but it will also place you in close proximity to Russians living and working in rural areas, who use the train to commute and visit family. For same sex couples considering this as a holiday, it’s definitely best to have an open and honest chat with your tour company to gauge their opinions.
It’s completely understandable that many lgbtq+ – and non-lgbtq+ – travellers would be keen to boycott Russia. However, we don’t believe anyone should ever be prevented from exploring a country as a result of their gender or sexual preferences. If you do want to visit, don’t be put off.
Do your research; talk to tour operators. All of our tour operators are lgbtq+ friendly and they will be the best people to speak to regarding staying safe and travelling with confidence in Russia. Companies should ensure that accommodation owners, especially outside St Petersburg and Moscow, are happy to host a same sex couple sharing a double room prior to booking. Finding out more about local culture and traditional customs is fundamental to having a deeper travelling experience, wherever you are in the world, and Russia is no different. Learn a few key phrases before you leave and tailor a tour to include a gay-friendly local guide or join a small guided group. Your tour operator, and guide, will be able to tell you where’s safe to visit and where is safer avoiding – Chechnya, for instance. If you’re not sure about accommodation or if a situation makes you uncomfortable, an emergency contact number, to someone that you trust, can be invaluable.