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  • Essay / Russian intolerance of homosexual behavior - 1104

    Although homophobia exists in almost all societies, Russia has recently gained notoriety for its intolerance of homosexual behavior. In a world that is increasingly accepting and tolerant of homosexuality, Russia appears to be moving backwards on LGBTQ rights, existing within a narrowly conservative macrosystem. Many Russians hold a constructionist view of homosexuality, according to which external forces are responsible for influencing "nontraditional" behaviors, rather than the contemporary essentialist view, according to which homosexuality is an innate trait (Welch, 146 ). Naturally, Russia's tumultuous political past must contribute greatly to current attitudes toward homosexuality and other sexual orientations. Under the tsars, homosexuality was a crime punishable by imprisonment or death. After Lenin came to power following the October Revolution, homosexuality was decriminalized and homosexuals were allowed to hold office in the new Soviet Union. However, when anti-homosexual laws were enacted by Stalin, homosexuals were deemed a "danger to the state" and sent to prison and forgotten. After glasnost, Yeltsin, under pressure from the Council of Europe, legalized homosexuality in 1993. But under Putin, homosexuals were criticized due to a series of anti-gay propaganda laws and a Russian society increasingly homophobic; this is due to the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, the effect of the media on the population controlled by the hegemony, and the use of homosexuality as a scapegoat for Russia's problems. Although the use of religion as a weapon against LGBTQ people is not uncommon, it is one of the main reasons for current hostile attitudes towards homosexuals. During the communist period ...... middle of paper ...... a, as well as the influence of the population through hegemony against a common enemy kept homophobic feelings alive. By raising global awareness of this issue, Russia's LGBTQ community is already making progress in the fight against oppression. Works Cited “Russia in the 21st century: a cultural war caused by traditional revanchism” (2011) by Valery Sozayev, published in The Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in the Russian Federation (2012). “The role of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia's anti-gay laws” (2013) by Jamie Manson, published by National Catholic Reporter. “Russian anti-gay law causes rise in homophobic violence” (2013) by Alec Luhn, published by The Guardian UK. “Homophobia Spreads in Russian Media” (2014) by Stephen Ennis, published by BBC News World Europe. “From Russia, Without Love” (2013) by Sheila Kennedy