The initiative to stage the first Gay Pride in Moscow was made public on July 28, 2005

What is the Moscow Pride ?

The Moscow Pride is an annual gay pride event in support of equal rights for sexual minorities in Russia. Every year since 2006, the Moscow Pride was baned by the Mayor of the city who declared in december 2008 : “Sexual minorities, they are free. We do not allow gay parades. ... Entertain yourself, no problem, but not on the streets, squares, marches and demonstrations. We never introduced any limitations in their [gays and lesbians] respect except public actions”. The organizers stress that their aim is to hold a gay right event and not a carnival. Moscow Pride aimed to be close to the first gay pride marches held in Europe in the 70's.

When did it all started ?

In 2005, Nikolai Alekseev took advantage of a press conference held in support of solidarity with Iranian gays to announce that the first Russian Gay Pride March would be held in Moscow on May 27, 2006. The date was set to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the decriminalization of male same-sex relations in the country. Russian media immediately expressed a real interest for the upcoming event. Radio "Echos of Moscow" organized a live 1h30 prime time debate on this topic. For the first time, media started to express an interest to report about homosexuality in Russia. In some ways, one can say that the Moscow Pride initiative helped to bring more visibility for gays and lesbians in Russia. Over the years, Moscow Pride gave a positive image of gay and lesbian activists who showed that they are not ready to surrender to homophobia. Relgious groups as well politicians, artists, intellectuals and nationalist openly spoke against rights of gays and lesbians to hold gay public actions in the country. The LGBT Human Rights Project GayRussia.Ru, the organizer of the Moscow Pride introduced severa court cases against incitation to hatred toward several high ranked officials, religious leader and the Mayor of Moscow.

Why is the Moscow Pride ban "illegal" ?

Freedom of Assembly for ALL citizens is granted by the Russian constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which Russia ratified in 1998. In the case "Baczkowski and Others vs Poland", the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judged the ban of the Warsaw Pride as breaching the ECHR. The Russian justice always denied to consider the precedent made by the European Court in all the cases introduced by the organizers. On September 17, the ECtHR opened the cases of the ban of Moscow Pride '06, '07 and '08 and gave to Russia until January 20 to give its position. A decision of the ECtHR is expected during the first semester 2010, hopefully, before the Moscow Pride '09 which is scheduled on May 29.

Are there any other Gay Pride Marches in Russia ?

The activists of the LGBT Human Rights Project GayRussia.Ru have not only been working in organizing the Moscow Pride. In 2008, they attempted to organize a gay right picket and march in Tambov and Liski. In 2009, they attempted to organize a picket and march in Ryazan. So far, not a single gay right public action has ever been authorized in Russia. The breach of the constitutional right to freedom of assembly is systematic.

How was the Moscow Pride logo designed ?

An international contest was organized during the summer 2006 to choose a logo for Moscow Pride. A dozen of entries were received. One of the logos designed by Marko Blagojevic from Serbia was selected by the  2006 initiative group. The logo reminds the Saint Basil Cathedral located on the Red Square. It was used to produce a Pin's which can be bought (see page Support).

Who are the organizers ?

A new initiative group is formed every year in autumn. The size and the composition of the group evolve every year. In 2009, the initiative group invited foreign activists from Belarus as Moscow Pride hosted the first Slavic Pride. Moscow Pride Chief Organizer since 2005 is Nikolai Alekseev. The LGBT Human Rights Projects GayRussia.Ru brings logistical and financial support to the event.

Any additional question ?

Send us an email and we will post the answer here.