Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
LGBTQ+ Russians ask: should I stay or should I go?
Gay and transgender Russians say they fear further attacks on their rights following a Supreme Court ruling that designated LGBTQIA+ activists as “extremists”, with some in the community now debating whether to move abroad. “It is clear that the Russian government has decided we are no longer welcome in our own country,” said a 22-year-old gay student at Moscow’s prestigious HSE University.
Like other LGBTQIA+ people who spoke to Openly, he asked for his name not to be published. “I am a patriot. I love my country.
But my country has rejected me. When I graduate from university, I am sure I will move abroad where I can feel safe and free,” he added.
The November Supreme Court ruling is part of a pattern of increasing restrictions on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws outlawing the promotion of “non-traditional” sexual relations and banning legal or medical changes of gender.
