Presenting Three-and a-Half Minutes to a More Troubled You:
In order to test the tolerance levels of the average Russian citizen on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage, two young men recently spent the day walking the streets of Moscow while holding hands.
A hidden camera captures the grim results, which serve as a sobering reminder that homophobia is still alive and flourishing in every corner of the globe.
Related: Amid Poisonous Gas And Gunfire, Moscow’s Biggest Gay Club Shuts Doors For Good
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Brace yourself for an unyielding barrage of insults, slurs, skunk-eyed stares, and physical intimidation, culminating in one extremely tense confrontation.
One can only wonder what would’ve happened had they ventured to kiss.
Victor Barry
Russia’s making progress, they are currently somewhere in the 19th century. The crazy is strong with them.
Luis H. Lopez
End the hate end the violence !
BigG
Disgusting
AtticusBennett
truly disturbing, and yet this is not just a “Russian” thing. this happens everywhere, far too often. i’ve personally experienced it, numerous times over the years.
now – russian policy is indeed EMPOWERING this type of hatred. and look at what the video shows: instances where men will go out of their way to physically assault you. and why? because you….exist. and you don’t hide. bigoted people HATE when we don’t hide. because they want us to be scared of them. they want us to live in fear of them. they want to be the rulers. and they’re not. so when we remind them of that, by visibly existing, they become emasculated and violent. their tenuous grasp on their own perceived manhood shaken by seeing two men holding hands. or seeing some “fem gay guy” walking visibly, proudly, defiantly.
bigots hate when the targets of their bigotry do not live secretly in the shadows.
federal equality helps change things for the better, but the blowback to that is that the bigots whose hatred is exacerbated by the growing courage of their intended “victims”.
make no mistake – russias anti-LGBT policies and rhetoric are hugely responsible for this homophobic bigotry, just as the GOP’s is in America, and the right-wing Canadian hacks in parliament are.
Steve Ollerenshaw
It didn’t end well but it WILL end well with courage like this on the side of love. Good luck and strength to them!!
avesraggiana
I couldn’t watch it to the end. Just too much…Kudos to these two guys for imperilling themselves with their experiment. What they did was very brave.
Linda Hopp-Hill
I think it’s very sad, but why am I not surprised. Unfortunately this kind of thing is going to raise its ugly head, wherever it is.
Sansacro
Brave and disturbing.
Frankly, I was surprised by how many people did not respond. Gave me hope. Those who did respond violently fit the profile: young, male, and most likely to appear in a gay for pay video.
jwtraveler
I doubt the result would have been any different in most of the U.S. The U.S. certainly did win the Cold War. The Russians have become just as bigoted as we are, if they weren’t already.
It’s interesting to note that in many countries throughout Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa, I believe, it is quiet normal to see men holding hands on the street and expressing affection publicly in other ways. Though it is not at all an indication of homosexuality in those societies, as a gay man it is always a pleasant and comforting sight to see men openly expressing physical affection.
Sadly, in some places, anti-gay sentiment prompted by knowledge of gay rights movements in the West has influenced men to modify their behavior for fear of being labeled gay. I wonder if this is true in Russia, where it was once quite common for men to kiss each other as a friendly greeting.
Stache99
@jwtraveler: Yeah, but at least here you can still press charges and evoke sympathy from others. In Russia you’ll be the one to be arrested if you fight back.
Tommysole
Many countries have no clue as to how good they have it.
Look at this video and see how easy we have it here in the United States.
Daniepwils
So basically Moscow is no different than any other major US city… LOL. I actually am a bit shocked at how “not” an issue this is in the video. Out of all the people that they passed only a few had an issue with it. This is pretty much the exact same thing that would happen in NYC to LA in any major US city…
Ismael Smiley Flores
My heart dropped when the guy walked in between them…
like murderous rage…
Cagnazzo82
@Daniepwils: In Russia the people being assaulted in that video could be arrested if they stood up for their rights.
It is *nothing* like America. Stop comparing apples and oranges.
Sure we have homophobia but not to that raw extent where you’re getting cursed at by old people and assaulted by young people just for walking down the street and minding your own business.
If the police were present, they’d be on the side of people doing the assaulting… as has been witnessed even at Russian gay pride events.
Aarchaelen
This is far from widely accepted everywhere in the United States. In many places in the US, verbal assault is a common response LGBT receive for being out in public. There are some places where it is accepted, but more places where it isn’t.
Giancarlo85
Russian cities are far worse than US cities. However, republicans would be elated to see the US like Russia where LGBTQQI people are physically attacked, arrested and worse.
Hussain-TheCanadian
I must admit, this was tough to watch – I’m happy and proud of them, but when someone physically attacks you like that, I begin to question the wisdom of your experiment.
Most violent homophobes are not secretly gay, I really doubt that, some of them might be self hating for sure, but the majority of them are bullies, small minded tyrants, and folks who have major family and personal issues that they take out on the gay community (and other minorities)
Besides, the Russian family isn’t very stable either, some men think that the only they can be men by being abusive towards others.
Cagnazzo82
@Hussain-TheCanadian: I agree with the issue about major family or personal issues angle.
As far as I’m concerned there is no such thing as someone who’s happy/content with their lives who’ll go out of their way to physically attack random people on the street.
You have to truly be angry and hate something about your life to sink to that level, and/or to go out of your way to randomly ruin someone else’s day without any prior interaction.
aliengod
@Giancarlo85: LOL! You’re so misguided. You go way too far in your hatred of others. I’d imagine there are very few people in this country (Republican or not) that would find it acceptable to physically attack someone. Even if they were LGBTQQIEIEIOXYZ.
AtticusBennett
@aliengod: you’re one to talk – you’ve been a disappointment to your own bigoted since the day you were born.
Giancarlo85
@aliengod: I thought you were banned off here? Your posts were disappearing. You’re so full of shit. You know exactly how republicans stand for. Complete and total bigotry. You are fucking hysterical too. Keep making fun of others in the community and you show how much of a nasty bigot you are. You are just as bad as the aggressors in the video.
AtticusBennett
@Cagnazzo82: to some people, being straight is the only thing they have left to feel “better” about, in the whole world.
Hussain-TheCanadian
@Cagnazzo82: That is defiantly true; I think when someone goes out of their way to attack, bully, insult, or degrade another human being that you don’t even know, there must be a personal reason why, an axe to grind so to speak.
A lot of it is “fear of the unknown, the unfamiliar”, a lot of it is ignorance and bigotry, and also some men think its an attack “manhood” (whatever that means).
crowebobby
Doing this without a couple of very tough friends following at a distance crosses the line between being brave and being foolhardy. (It is quite an old video; I’ve seen it before.) They’re lucky they didn’t end up with serious physical damage.
SteveDenver
Nobody expects homosexuals to strike back or be equipped to defend themselves. That last guy was staring him down, which would have been the easiest time to take him to the ground and deliver a knee and two fists to the head. Three rules of self-defense:
1. Don’t be afraid to be hit
2. Be FAST and relentless
3. Be LOUD — this takes practice. Most people hold their breath when they sense they will be hit.
Know your targets on the body: most guys will protect their groin, so go for nose, eyes, ears, throat. If someone is aggressive toward you, have one goal in mind: TAKE OUT AN EYE. Keep hitting their head like a pillow on a bed and don’t stop to see what you’ve done.
Cagnazzo82
@Hussain-TheCanadian: In Russia’s case there’s also massive, massive amount of propaganda.
I’m not sure if anyone caught it, but a lot of the comments were referring to the people holding hands as ‘pederasts’. That’s straight from Russian propaganda, where they presume anyone who’s gay is also secretly pedophiles.
The Russian government has definitely played an active role here misleading its people.
I think it’ll take at least a generation to undo all the damage that’s been done.
broadshoulder
That took guts…
Hussain-TheCanadian
@Cagnazzo82: Wow I didn’t notice that, thanks for pointing it out, it’s quite shameful too – It seems that the Russian government thinks that “waging war” on us is somehow a political stance against the “Western powers”, which is bizarre logically speaking.
aliengod
@AtticusBennett: Say it isn’t so! You actually were able to make a statement without including some nonsensical remark about daddy issues. You’re maturing. I knew it would happen one day.
aliengod
@Giancarlo85: Banned? Nope. Just been busy. And who have I made fun of? Thanks for noticing my absence. There’s still hope for you. Your hatred hasn’t completely darkened your heart. 😉
Darryl Moir
I would spend my nights burning the fucking city down.
Saint Law
@aliengod: Pretty much every candidate out of the clown car of Republican presidential hopefuls is against gay marriage and most of em are against gays having any rights as all.
The push for ‘religious rights’ to discriminate against us is entirely Republican led.
Indeed, in the US it seems every bigot that opens his mouth to slur, vilify or denounce us is a Republican party member or voter.
Latest poll confirms that Republican voters are opposed to gay rights 2-to-1.
So why even bother? Who do you imagine you’re going top convince? Not even you are stupid enough to believe the guff you fart so why be so stupid as to post it?
Giancarlo85
@aliengod: You live in some weird reality. First off, the hatred of the republican party has darkened your own heart and made you hate all sorts of people in the LGBTQQI community. You use derogatory statements towards people you don’t like. You are a violent person with violent tendencies. And most right wingers are full of shit, much like yourself.
aliengod
@Saint Law: I think the people resorting to physical violence in this video are disgusting human beings. My original comment was simply a reply towards Giancarlo’s remark that most Republicans in the US would love to see this violence toward gays. I don’t believe that’s true, regardless of how they feel about LGB issues. And I’m not trying to “convince” anyone of anything. My farts smell like roses, thank you very much. Now scurry on Miss Law.
Giancarlo85
@aliengod: Republicans love violence though, and they would have gays imprisoned (many republicans are tied to the anti-gay laws in Uganda for example). Maybe you should rethink your attitude. And what is “LGB”… no such thing. Sorry. And I don’t really what you believe is true or not… your thoughts are inaccurate and irrelevant.
money718
Interesting.
aliengod
@Giancarlo85: “Republicans love violence”… It’s broad, ignorant statements like that that make you seem so crazy. As far as Uganda, you need to differentiate between religious zealots and Republicans. They’re not always one in the same. Last time I checked, LGB was an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual. What do you propose it means?
Giancarlo85
@aliengod: You are so stuck in your delusions you don’t even see the fucking writing on the wall. The majority of the republican party is incredibly violent and they love wars. You just don’t get it? A majority of republicans are RELIGIOUS AND GUN ZEALOTS. You just don’t get reality. LGB doesn’t exist and there is no such acronym. It’s just something you and other hateful transphobic bigots came up with. there is no saving you.
DimAsAnEmber
This was frightening to watch, I hope nothing came of that bit at the end. That being said, at least it’s much better here. And it seems like though it’s sluggish, the tide is inexorable. Progress is unstoppable.
jason smeds
Well, in Russia, straight-identifying men do regularly kiss each other on greeting. You rarely see that in the USA.
In the USA, you have a high level of segregation between what’s acceptable and what isn’t depending on what group you belong to. It’s apartheid.
jason smeds
The scary thing about this video is the bystanders who simply walk past when the guys are hit. It’s disgusting. This attitude is common in the USA too.
The funny thing is that even in the USA, gay-identifying men rarely hold hands in public. Even in New York City, you will rarely find two men holding hands outside of suburbs like Chelsea. Gay-identifying men in the USA are fearful of the public’s reaction even in places like New York City.
Giancarlo85
@jason smeds: You have no clue what you’re talking about once again.
This attitude is far more prevalent in Russia than it is in the US.
Cagnazzo82
@jason smeds: If a gay guy is assauled in the US the perpetrator gets arrested.
If a gay guy is assaulted in Russia the gay guy gets arrested.
There is no comparison between the US and Russia once you factor in the disparity in *institutionalized and effectively propagandized homophobia*.
Stop being ridiculous.
Blackceo
Yeah….Russia is definitely not a place I will be visiting anytime soon. Nevermind the fact they aren’t too fond of people of color, that was really disgusting to see the blunt reactions to those two guys holding hands. That last guy was just overkill. I mean how are those two guys holding hands having that much of an impact that you need to alter your plans from wherever you were walking to in order to forcibly bump in between them and then get in their face. Yeah no….I’m not going to the World Cup when they host, not going to just see touristy attractions…hell I don’t even want to have a layover in Russia. Really backwards country with a disgusting leader and too many disgusting people.
tjr101
The most unfortunate thing about this video is that its mostly young people that are making the insults towards the couple. Russia is in the sewer for more than a generation to come and my heart goes out to the gay population their. And if that couple was even to go to the police to report any assault, they themselves may be arrested for gay propaganda. No wonder a lot of Republicans like Putin, because he promotes this nonsense.
DimAsAnEmber
@tjr101: Just like people, opinions can change. I think a lot of the future for Russia’s LGBTQQIA(A?) is totally dependent on their next leader, or when and if the country makes serious governmental reform.
Simon Renton-Phillips
Brave men, good for them. More people should think about doing similar stuff, but be very careful boys
Artemas
With regards to an older Queerty article about the two Russian soccer players who posted photos of themselves hugging, kissing etc,there was a vigorous debate about whether such behavior amongst two men was “normal” and “acceptable” by that society… well this certainly answers that question.
Saint Law
@aliengod: “You need to differentiate between religious zealots and Republicans.”
Not all Republicans are religious zealots. They are all zealots though. And pretty much all religious zealots – in the US at least – are Republicans.
But my bad. You clearly are stupid enough to believe the cack you type.
Saint Law
@Giancarlo85: Why the likes of alientard don’t just cut out the middle man and shoot themselves I’ll never know.
Giancarlo85
@DimAsAnEmber: You really have no clue. These attitudes have a lot more to do than just the leader of the country. And keep posting “A” in that… You really are stupid and naive.
Russia’s problems are down to its society.
o.codone
well, it didn’t happen here overnight.
lsesea
Since June 26 everyone seems to think that America is now a safe country for LGBT+IQ people, and of course no one has ever accused Mother Russia of being a bastion of freedom and equality, but I have two comments about this video. First, it appears as though the greater majority of people haven’t noticed the guys holding hands, or just don’t care. Second, there are plenty of cities in the good ol’ USA where a same gender couple would be foolhardy to walk around holding hands, and even in parts of cutting edge San Francisco (where I had the joy of living for 23 years) it wouldn’t be a good idea either. It is no different than when interracial marriage was legalized nationally … there were still plenty of states where an interracial might enter, but would never leave alive. Interesting to note, in Southeast Asia where I have lived for the past ten years, in most countries it is not uncommon for men to walk around holding hands or with arms around each other, and it has absolutely nothing to do with sexual orientation.
notevenwrong
Maybe it was more for their crimes against fashion. 😉
But seriously, try holding hands away from the few liberal urban areas in the U.S. and see how far you get. And here a lot of the bullies carry guns.
Stefano
@notevenwrong: You are right. Queerty only show this video because the like to making fun of other countries…there is a word for that, xenophobia.
Stefano
@notevenwrong: You are right. Queerty only show this video because they like making fun of other countries and hates everything that is outside USA….there is a word for that, xenophobia.
Kangol
Wait, I thought only Jamaica and African countries were homophobic, and that black people were the worst homophobes?
Russia, you are going to upset some people by showing your true colors.
And as for the USA, you can get married in every state, and fired as a result in a majority (over 25+), as of July 2015.
The struggle in America, and globally, is not over!
Giancarlo85
@Stefano: No. Not xenophobia. And can people stop trying to compare the US to Russia. Russia is obviously a whole lot worse.
Hussain-TheCanadian
@Kangol: I really hope you’re being sarcastic about the bit regarding black people being the most homophobic.
Kangol
@Hussain-TheCanadian: Yes, extremely sarcastic, based on responses that often pop up on this site. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.
oregonduckbrad
Seriously, fuck Russia.
freddiek
@SteveDenver: Where’s the like button?
bachaus
I found it funny that the two highly confrontational men both looked like the just left a gym! Could they be making up for obvious insecurities and issues ? Perhaps !
Butcher
The irony of it all is that Russia has the largest, under-aged gay porn barebacking community on the planet.
ICFreeMozart
I believe that Russia it is still under oppression from Stalin Dictatorships. Putin is not changing anything in Social Agenda, he is simply not interested as long as he has a plate fu of food and “???????” for the night.
As per the comments made during the filming most of them were addressed by guys, not by girls/ladies/woman.
So the Social intelligence in Russia is just about as many years as time from the II World War. I spent many years in Russia when I was working on European Coast Guard Ships. And it is Ok to be “gay” as long as you do not show in public. i think the old stigma it is a shame for them. We need to tell Putin to reform his Country. if he even would listen. So come back guys to the good Old USA, and least we have some freedom here. Peace. C.W.