AMSTERDAM –Russia’s adoption of an “Anti-Gay Propaganda Law” caused enormous outrage in the LGBT-community and the rest of the world. PlanetRomeo, one of the oldest and largest gay dating and social networking platforms in the world, surveyed 1,526 Russian users on how these laws influence them in their daily life, if they face any form of anti-gay discrimination, and how the world can offer help to improve the situation for the LGBT community in Russia. The opinions are divided.
A slight majority of 53% doesn’t support these Anti-Gay Propaganda Laws at all. In addition, 34% think these laws should be revised. The laws are supported by a mere 8%. Many of the respondents have another remarkable view on these laws: the law might just serve as a distraction from other problems inRussia, like corruption and absence of justice.
Boycott Winter Olympics in Sochi
PlanetRomeo also asked Russian gay respondents if they would support a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The opinions are equally split: 50% are for and 50% voted against a boycott. Additionally, 73% say that the world needs to keep international attention and pressure on President Putin and the Russian government. But due to cultural differences and ignorance regarding homosexuality, it takes time to ‘change’ the sociological environment in Russia.
A respondent states: “Pressure from foreign countries just makes the situation worse, because our society is aggressive to gays and to any outside influence. So, any change can only happen by itself in future generations insideRussia.”
Anti-Gay Discrimination and Violence
One-third have never been a victim of anti-gay violence or discrimination. However, almost 70% say that the situation for gays in Russia is becoming worse. Almost 60% of the respondents say that these laws create an anti-gay atmosphere that affects them personally. This undermines President Putin’s statement, that he gave in an recent interview with BBC One, where he says that gay people in Russia face no discrimination at work or in society and that the law doesn’t harm anyone.
For more information visit:http://planetromeoinside.tumblr.com/post/73947549741/our-russian-romeos-speak-out
