"Kissing Day" protest at the State Duma

In early 2013, a brawl broke out in Moscow between Orthodox activists, and LGBT activists protesting against the law on “propaganda of homosexuality.” The Homophobic provocateurs approached the protesters, read the Bible out loud, insulted and beat up one of the participants. The police were called, and the participants in the brawl were taken to the Tverskoy District Police Department. The Orthodox activists also planned to pelt the protesters with eggs and urine, but fortunately, they did not succeed.

At the May Day demonstration in Moscow, a confrontation occurred between a LGBTQ+ rights contingent and activists from the Russian Labor Front. The event reflects the growing pressure on the LGBTQ+ community in Russia: beginning in 2012, campaigns against gay pride marches intensified, and in 2013 a law banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” was adopted, effectively legalizing discrimination. By the mid-2010s, repression had escalated further, including bans, arrests, and the persecution of activists.

“Orthodox activist” Dmitry Enteo (real name Dmitry Tsorionov) staged a solo protest against LGBTQ+ people, scattering leaflets and chanting homophobic slogans (“Crush a gay like George crushed the dragon” and “Moscow is not Sodom”). Enteo became known as an ultraconservative activist associated with the “God’s Will” movement. His appearances were often marked by provocations at exhibitions, concerts, and protest rallies. This video reflects the atmosphere of growing homophobia in Russia following the adoption in 2013 of the law banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors.”

A political demostration against the law banning "homosexual propaganda among minors" took place in Hyde Park, Gorky Park, Moscow. Protesters encountered police violence.

LGBTQ+ activists who staged solo pickets against the law banning "homosexual propaganda among minors" were detained near the State Duma building. The pickets were attacked by "Orthodox activists" and "Cossacks." Both activists and provocateurs were detained (with only the latter being immediately released).

A "Rainbow Flash Mob" on the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg, held to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The event was accompanied by aggression from members of paramilitary ‘Cossack’ groups, paratroopers, and "Orthodox activists" opposing LGBTQ+ rights.