Gay bars close all the time, but it’s rarely this heartbreaking to report.
When gunfire pierced the hypnotic bass, they still danced. Poisonous gas sprayed discreetly amidst fog machines and lasers onto the crowded dance floor, but they still showed up.
Despite the danger — all in all around twenty attacks just in the last year — club goers continued to frequent Moscow’s biggest gay club, the Central Station, refusing to be beaten down by fear, congregating openly in defiant pride.
But citing the string of violent antigay attacks, the owners have felt it best to close the doors for good.
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The club’s CEO wrote:
“Tired of fighting with the “windmills”. It has been three years of unforgettable work in the biggest gay club in the country, a lot has been passed through: the attack of the local prosecutor’s office, and burning my car down , and the fight against the raiders… It was one of the most interesting experiences of my working life.
It’s a sad state when intimidation succeeds.
It’s sadder yet to think this string of open violence towards gay Russians goes largely unpunished and doesn’t appear to be showing signs of slowing down.
For those putting their lives on the line by refusing to duck into hiding, we wish strength and safety.
h/t: Gay Star News
Cam
I’m sure Johnny Weir is figuring out some statement that will absolve the govt. from all of this and instead claim that the gays are “Idiots” and it’s all their own fault.
barkomatic
Russia the Nazi Germany of the 21st century. Oppression of minorities–check. Invasion of nearby countries and seizure of land–check. This time though, the bad guys have nukes, so there’s nothing to stop them.
Sisko24
Yes, there is. Overreach, overarching ego and stupidity. Putin and his cronies will become more and more greedy and like Hitler – who originally was partnered with Soviet Russia – they will find themselves eaten from within and, eventually, devoured from outside. The problem for most of us is how to endure until this comes to pass. Maybe a ‘House of Special Purpose’ solution, eh?