Exiled Russian LGBTQ+ activist Aleksandr Voronov, a member of the advocacy group Coming Out, recently met with Jessica Stern, the special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ+ and intersex rights abroad, at the State Department [d99763fa]. During the meeting, Voronov provided an update on the situation of LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, highlighting the recent ban on the "international LGBT movement" by the Russian Supreme Court and the arrest of a gay bar owner in Orenburg on charges of "extremism" [d99763fa]. Voronov also mentioned that many LGBTQ+ organizations and activists have been forced to leave Russia and continue their work "in exile" [d99763fa]. Stern expressed her support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia and discussed the importance of promoting and protecting their rights globally [d99763fa]. The meeting between Voronov and Stern underscores the ongoing efforts to address LGBTQ+ rights issues in Russia and the international community's commitment to advocating for equality and inclusivity [d99763fa].
In a recent development, Russian book publishers have established an expert panel to check books for compliance with Russian legislation, including the "LGBT propaganda" law [aa989091]. The expert board, which includes representatives of Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor, the Russian Orthodox Church, and other religious organizations, will make recommendations on withdrawing books from publication [aa989091]. AST, one of Russia's largest book publishers, has already suspended sales of three titles, including a novel by Vladimir Sorokin and two novels by US authors, due to "containing information prohibited for distribution" [aa989091]. This move comes as part of an increasing trend of censorship and prosecution of sexual minorities in Russia, with the "LGBT propaganda" law amended in 2022 to apply to audiences of any age [aa989091]. In 2023, Russia's Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT movement" an extremist organization, effectively outlawing queer activism in the country [aa989091].
The establishment of the censorship body and the suspension of book sales highlight the tightening restrictions on freedom of expression and the targeting of LGBTQ+ content in Russia [aa989091]. This further exacerbates the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations in the country, as mentioned by Voronov during his meeting with Stern [d99763fa] [aa989091]. The actions taken by the Russian government and book publishers underscore the need for continued international attention and support for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia and around the world.