December 16, 2023
Is this Pic too Gay for the Russian Public? Siberian Officials Think So
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Is a photo of two Siberian men eating ice cream in the cold too gay for the Russian public?
That is what Newsweek is reporting via the Russian news site sib.fm/news.
"An official in Siberia has said that a promotional image of two men in summer clothing enjoying ice cream in sub-zero temperatures should not be displayed because it was connected to non-traditional relationships'," writes Newsweek.
"Non-traditional relationships" refers to the November,2022 law banning "LGBT propaganda," which criminalizes any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations" in film, online, advertising or in public."
"Since then, the crackdown has got tougher, with Russia's Supreme Court last month classifying the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, even though no such organization exists as an entity," Newsweek writes. "The law in effect bans anything deemed to promote a 'non-heterosexual lifestyle.' While it does not come into effect in Russia until January 10, 2024, there have already been reports of raids on LGBTQ+ venues in the country."
The photo was taken in the city center of Novosibirsk with two members of the Panda tourist club. The temperature was at -33 degrees.
It was being used to promote cultural and tourism for the city of Novosibirsk, Russia's third-largest city. But didn't sit well with Novosibirsk City Council, who have issued an official objection to its public display.
City Council deputy Svetlana Kaverzina told Sib.fm that the chairman of the commission considered that it was connected with non-traditional relationships and asked it not be displayed in the future.
"She posted the images on her Telegram account, which prompted a lively thread. 'Stop seeing homosexuality everywhere,' wrote one, 'either treat your latent orientation, or treat your internal homophobia," adds Newsweek.
"Another questioned why such a conclusion could be drawn about 'normal people who simply show strength and endurance in such cold weather.'"
