Russia and Belarus Escalate Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Communities with Harsh New Measures

Repressive laws, raids, and violence target LGBTQ+ individuals, forcing many to flee or go underground as advocacy is criminalized.

Russia has intensified its anti-LGBTQ+ policies, including a Supreme Court ruling designating the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, exposing individuals to criminal prosecution and up to six years in prison.
Authorities in Russia have raided gay bars, nightclubs, and venues hosting drag shows, with some individuals facing charges for displaying symbols like the rainbow flag or running LGBTQ-friendly businesses.
Belarus, closely aligned with Russia, is moving to adopt similar anti-LGBTQ+ measures, with proposed legislation to ban 'gay propaganda' and reports of widespread arrests, beatings, and blackmail targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Transgender individuals in both countries face severe challenges, including bans on gender-affirming care, restricted access to medical treatments, and state pressure to detransition, leading to increased violence and discrimination.
Many LGBTQ+ people in Russia and Belarus are fleeing abroad or turning to underground networks for support, while those who remain face growing repression and fear of imprisonment.