Gay community in magadan, russia

Although life in modern Russia allows many more liberties for gay men and lesbians than it did before the fall of communism, unofficial discrimination and fear are still rampant.

Our Russia Gay Guide lists the best gay places in the most exciting cities: bars & clubs, restaurants, accommodations, saunas.

In Magadan, you can get beaten for dying a strand of your hair red – you don’t need to be queer and wear high heels and full makeup like Gena. It made Gena want to get out, to have freedom from this place, and from her grandparents.

Agniia Galdanova's documentary film "Queendom" follows Gena Marvin from Magadan to Moscow in their pursuit of art-making, protest and freedom. Here, the director and Marvin discuss the making of "Queedom," leaving Russia and the risks associated with public, queer protest.