Russian LGBT activists and allies in 16 cities took action for the IDAHOT 2014 despite considerable social and legal pressure, attacks and threats from opponents. 15 people were detained on May 17, all of whom are now released (June 4, 2014). Two actions were targeted by neo-nazi groups. No serious injuries occurred this year and local groups underscored the bravery and resistant spirit of LGBT communities in the country.

In most Russian cities rainbow flashmob events (coloured balloon releases) went quite well, with a considerable 150 people showing up in St. Petersburg. However, during or because of the flashmobs the police detained activists from Moscow, Murmansk, Perm and Vladimir. Two people in Moscow, 1 person in Murmansk, 11 people in Perm and 1 person in Vladimir were detained on May 17. They are now all released.

While most events in the 16 cities went without any incidents, 4 of these cities witnessed arrests. The organizer of a Rainbow flashmob event in Murmansk, Violetta Grudina, was detained before the event actually started. She was accused of “propaganda of homosexuality”. The police stated that by publishing information about LGBT events in the social network (Vkontakte), she “committed propaganda of homosexuality among minors”.

Russia, image by St Petersburg Times

On May 17 in Perm, several members of the group LGBT-Perm were also detained. An activist of another LGBT group (Raduzhniy dom), Julia Babintseva, who wasn’t detained on May 17th, was not charged with anything yet, however, she got a call from the police. Moreover, representatives of the police visited her parents. All this situation strangely resembles the situation in Samara, where after the Day of Silence LGBT activists started to get calls and then charges, all happening as a form of systematic intimidation.

The National articulation group, Russian LGBT-Network, provided legal support to Violetta Grudina and Julia Babintseva. The Chairman of the Network, Igor Kochetkov, states that “Solidarity was one of the main messages of the May 17th this year and we are ready to support everyone who suffers because of the unlawful actions of the police”.

Further Information

• Russian LGBT Network:Police getting more and more interested in the activity of LGBT activists.
• To see photos from the rainbow flashmob event in St. Petersburg, organized by “Coming Out” Organization: click here.

In Kyrgyzstan, the organisation Labrys organised a diverse week-long programme in celebration of the IDAHOT – the ‘Kyrgyz Week Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2014′. The events addressed new legal and political developments in Kyrgyzstan, especially given the recent tabling of draft legislation to criminalise homosexual ‘Propaganda’ in the national Parliament.

On March 26, 2014 two members of the Kyrgyz parliament initiated a draft law banning propaganda of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’, modelled on similar legislation in Russia and other countries. The bill has since been registered in the Parliament, taken down for technical revisions, and re-registered in May. Owing to Russia’s dominance in the Kyrgyz information sphere, the level of homo- and transphobia in the country has risen sharply. With the support of Labrys, a Coalition of civil society organisations for Justice and Non-discrimination has been organised, working on opposing the draft law since then.

In this context LGBTIQA organisation Labrys has organised a more downplayed contribution to the Kyrgyz Week Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – 2014, which started on 14 May with an announcement of “I exist! I am a citizen!”, an arts competition among LGBTIQA communities of Kyrgyzstan, conducted from 14 May to 14 June 2014. One of the main goals of the competition is to offer an opportunity for LGBTIQA communities to express their civic position in conditions of increasing homophobia and transphobia in the country and to also politicise and inspire LGBTIQA activities in Kyrgyzstan.

In the context of the Week Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Kyrgyzstan 2014 the LGBTIQ organisation Labrys also hosted a “Rainbow weekend” with a variety of events on the 17th and 18th of May.

On May 17 (Saturday) there was a whole “Day at Labrys” in their office. The program included:
1. Film Screenings of three films, including ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ and ‘Room in Rome’.
2 . Campaign for LGBTIQ communities of Kyrgyzstan. In reaction to the bill that has been brought forward in the Parliament, the action include writing letters to MPs to prevent this bill from being put in place.
3 . Celebratory picnic.
4 . Game Zone. All day – board games in good company.
5 . Souvenirs. The organisers gave out Labrys T-Shirts.
6. Communication without borders in a safe space.

On Sunday, May 18, a whole day of activities for the LGBTIQ community took place outside, in a beautiful place in Kyrgyzstan. The program included:
– Scenic places of Kyrgyzstan.
– Team Encounter Games – 5 teams of 10 people.
– Barbecue.
– Prizes for winners, and gifts for all members of the organization LGBTIQA Labrys.

Letters to Parliament for IDAHOT 2014 in Kyrgyzstan. Source: Labrys