Welcome to Russia.
That's how cold it is - look.
The largest country on earth, and home to nearly 150 million people.
Growing up as a kid in the '80s in London,
Russia was painted as this weird, big baddie.
Now, with Vladimir Putin well into his third term as president,
it's starting to feel like that again.
NEWSREADERS: Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine...
Vladimir Putin has ignored the dark warnings from the west.
There's going to have to be a very different relationship
between Britain and Russia.
The West has imposed tough sanctions against Russia...
Russia is responsible for the violence.
..and relations are the frostiest since the Cold War.
So I'm here to find out what life is really like for young people,
especially if you're gay.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
In 2013, it became illegal to tell anyone under 18 that
being homosexual was in any way normal.
And while Putin is busy flexing his muscles abroad...
life here just got harder for thousands of Russians.
I meet the homophobes who are out to get them...
- If the law allowed it.... - Yeah, if the law allowed it.
- ..what would he do? - He would kill those people.
By stone, like the Bible.
..and discover what just one law says about
a whole country's attitude to being gay.
Homosexuality is disgusting. Homophobia is beautiful and natural.
I'm on my way to St Petersburg to attend QueerFest -
an annual get-together for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals,
or LGBT for short.
First stop - the city's most gay-friendly hostel,
and they've sent Sergei to meet me.
- Hi, I'm Sergei. - Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
You too, that's the first time I've seen my name in Russian.
IN ENGLISH:
'I'm being driven in St Petersburg's only gay taxi service.
'In today's climate, gay men like Sergei and driver Elena can't afford
'to be too obvious about it, but the car does contain a few clues.'
A lot of rainbows in this car.
So why did Elena start the rainbow taxi service?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
According to a recent survey, nearly half of gay people here have
experienced some kind of homophobic abuse.
But while the situation is serious, the scenery is stunning.
That's so pretty. Wow.
- That's beautiful. So it's a church, is it? - SERGEI: Yep.
This isn't what I expected Russia to look like.
Forgive me, I know it's quite judgmental, I expected quite
a cold, industrial, hard city,
but it feels like we're in Vienna or Paris.
There's so many beautiful old buildings here.
The Bolshevik Revolution led to 74 years of strict communist rule
in all areas of Russian life, and until 1993, gay people could be
punished with up to five years in prison, sometimes with hard labour.
These days, homosexuality itself is not illegal,
but old attitudes persist.
For a young gay man, what is this city like?
The idea that someone can't be who they want to be openly,
to me, is a scary thought.
The steps kind of give the gay hostel away, but Sergei
assures me many people here don't know what the rainbow flag means.
But inside, there was no mistake where we were.
Look at this. Well, this is flamboyant. Very colourful.
I know, I know. If you are tired of bright colours, just do this way.
REGGIE LAUGHS
- It will help. - That definitely gets rid of the bright colours.
That's cool, OK, take care.
"International festival of queer culture."
'QueerFest is the largest LGBT event in Russia, ten days of social
'and cultural events and seminars, all starting tomorrow.'
That's interesting, so QueerFest is an 18 plus event.
You can't go if you're under 18.
Which is really strange, because men, women and children
you see walking the streets of London during Pride.
Here you're not allowed to talk to children about
homosexual behaviour, activity, lifestyle or anything.
'The government say the anti-gay propaganda law was created to
'protect young people from the moral and public health dangers
'of being homosexual, and it's strictly enforced.'
It does make me a little bit worried, because my mentality alone,
if verbalised, is enough to get me thrown into jail.
Should I ask the wrong question, should I say the wrong thing
and have it heard by the wrong person,
suddenly things could take a really dark turn.
The next morning, I have a question for Sergei about the festival -
its location.
- So today is QueerFest, is that right? - Yeah.
How are you supposed to find it?
To call them.
So everyone that goes has to call the festival to find out
- where to go? - Yes.
I think I've taken for granted the severity of what's actually
happening here, because I don't think I've ever heard of a festival
that's public and free to attend that doesn't tell you where it is.
I FINALLY got the address and thought I'd head down there early.
But it seems others have got there before me.
WOMAN SPEAKS ENGLISH:
- BLEEP. - There are armed police here.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
WOMAN RESPONDS:
It's understandable that they are here to keep the peace.
The only thing I'm worried about is that they are armed,
therefore maybe they've heard more than I have.
'As well as the police, I notice two guys across the road.'
These two... They've been here a while.
So, are you guys here for QueerFest then?
Actually, we're a little bit afraid to go there.
So are you straight, are you a couple, are you friends?
Yeah, we're a couple.
So why are you afraid to be involved?
Do you think these police is just stand there?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Do you resent the fact that you're not able to act
in the way that you'd like?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Oh, wow, so there's more and more arrived? There's a bus full of them!
I really want to catch up with these two later, but first,
I need to find the organisers.
Hi, how you doing? I'm Reggie. What's your name?
How are you doing, Alfred?
So what can you expect from a day like today, then?
IN ENGLISH:
But no sooner have I arrived...
everyone starts packing up.
Excuse me. What's happening?
- We left and, uh, go to different... - So you have to move? - Yes.
- You've been kicked out? - Yes.
The owner has been in touch and said that it's a safety issue.
Which is a really poor excuse.
Apparently, the ceiling isn't safe for an event to happen here,
therefore they need to leave.
On the other side of the door stands Vitaly Milonov,
architect of the notorious law against
what his supporters call "gay propaganda".
Excuse me. I'm so sorry, excuse me.
Would you be willing to talk to us at all?
- We're making a television programme, a documentary. - About what?
About young people here in Russia.
- I can't see young people here. - Well, they were...
No, I can't see, I would like to find any young people,
- except different - BLEEP, - but unfortunately I can't do it,
- because the - BLEEP - hired security, so, we, the people of Russia,
we cannot enter to see what they're doing there.
Probably, I think they're making homosexual propaganda.
- Towards minors. - So was your plan to find out what was happening here?
Yeah, I would like to find, I am an official representative and
a member of the city hall, I would like to find out what's going on.
But I'm not allowed to,
because if you are a woman dressed like man, like this one,
if you dress like not a woman,
- if you dress like some, ahem, - BLEEP, - you can enter.
If you are dressed like a normal person, you cannot enter.
And do you believe that this is a dangerous organisation?
An event like QueerFest.
- A piece of - BLEEP - is not dangerous,
but it's quite unpleasant to see on the street.
Homosexuality is disgusting, homophobia is beautiful and natural.
Homophobia is a natural side of people's life.
'I grew up in a country where it's against the law to
'discriminate against minorities.
'I'm struggling a bit here.'
I'm really surprised that a politician and member
of the current ruling party can speak in that manner, and it's OK.
- He picked a young girl and referred to her as a - BLEEP - - to her face.
Even I feel funny saying that word out loud,
cos it's just so offensive.
While we've been talking,
the organisers have packed up the entire exhibition
and moved it to their back-up venue ten minutes down the road.
'I'm not too sure of the address,
'but the police seem to know where it is.'
Go, go, go, go.
'And so do the homophobes.'
At the moment, the security they've hired in are doing their job,
but things look like they're about to take a bit of a nasty turn.
The good news is that the security manage to shut the door.
The bad news? I'm stuck outside.
THEY CHANT:
'But at least I get the chance to speak to one of the
'most vocal protestors.'
Can you translate some of these signs?
What do these signs mean?
"Not QueerFest, it is the fest of Sodom."
IN ENGLISH:
'But the homophobes aren't giving up.'
So word is, apparently there's another way in.
By the time we get to the other entrance, the homophobes
are squirting people who are trying to get in with green ink.
- Stop it! - Stop it?!
Just as I try to get in,
someone seems really eager to get out.
There's a really strong smell coming from this,
and this girl's dropped it.
And it's really bad, to the
point where I'm actually gagging getting a slight whiff of it.
'She makes straight for the homophobic guy
'I met upstairs earlier.'
HE SPEAKS RUSSIAN
Do you know this girl?
Sorry, you guys know each other, do you know this lady?
- God's Will. - Is that the same...?
So you're from the same organisation? Ah, OK.
Excuse me, before you go, I would love to talk to you more
and find out more about your beliefs and your organisation,
would you be willing to do that? Maybe yourself and your girlfriend.
- When? - Soon as possible.
- You can take the telephone number. - Yeah? Perfect.
'Back inside, some of the anti-gay protestors are still here.
'And they're on a mission.'
Excuse me, hi, are you happy to talk?
Hello, nice to meet you. So what is you guys are doing here today?
And if there are children in there, what would you do?
'Eventually, I make it into QueerFest,
'and the smell of the stink bomb is unbearable.'
It's foul in here, jeez.
And I finally see what all the fuss is about - a room
full of peaceful people looking at art and sipping soft drinks.
It doesn't get more timid than a girl selling some
vintage dresses, and some free cookies.
They're not even serving alcohol!
No-one looks underage, and the organisers are defiant.
APPLAUSE
Homosexuality itself is not illegal in Russia,
as long as you're over 16.
Presumably there are the same amount of gay people here as anywhere
else, but they seem to be keeping a low profile.
Vanya and Nusrulla, the couple I met outside QueerFest yesterday,
have agreed to meet me at one of their favourite places.
Now, I understand that this is a bit of a special park for you guys,
- isn't it? - Yeah. - Why's it so special?
- Here was our first met, where we first met. - So your first date? - Yeah.
OK. Did you know,
"Yes, I'm really attracted to this person,
"I really like this person"?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
'The only way for many gay people to meet here is online,
'but it's fraught with danger.'
Could have been a set-up?
Like a lot of gay people in Russia,
Vanya and Nusrulla have to work out ways to hide their sexuality,
even going as far as inventing a girlfriend.
Are there pictures of the two of you together?
Oh, my God.
THEY LAUGH
- How does that feel for you, knowing that your partner is...? - It's funny!
Is it more funny than anything else?
Cos it is a bit ridiculous, let's be honest.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Wow. So the girl in this situation that's in the pictures,
what sort of relationship do you have with her now?
Wow, is there not a worry then that he could potentially spread
the word about the true nature of your relationship?
Wow.
OK, well, I really hope that nothing comes from this situation,
cos it's, I imagine, quite scary.
'As I leave, I can't help wondering who wouldn't wish them well.
'But I'm about to find out.'
CHURCH BELLS RING
Despite being banned in Soviet times,
the Russian Orthodox Church has really bounced back.
Three out of four Russians now claim to follow its teachings,
and their views on homosexuality are uncompromising.
Dimitri, who I met last night,
is the head of a pressure group called God's Will.
And he's here with his friend Mila to meet me.
Dimitri. Hello again, how you doing?
REGGIE LAUGHS
Fine, thanks.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Now, I have gay people in my family, I know a lot of gay people
back in the UK, do you think that they're doomed?
I see. OK.
One of the things that happened in there yesterday
was that there was some kind of stink bomb,
and you dropped something that looked like the bomb itself.
It was horrible.
Suddenly we're joined by a third member of God's Will,
and Layla speaks fluent English.
We were trying to oppose people who does that, homosexual propaganda,
and we did it in a non-violent, in the most non-violent of ways.
Could you answer the question?
SHE TRANSLATES FOR HIM
Would you have thrown a Molotov cocktail?
If the law would let me do that, I certainly would.
It's the symbol of the stench of sodomy.
He would have done it, I would have...
What would he have done if the law allowed it?
He would kill those people.
In what fashion, how would he kill them?
SHE TRANSLATES QUESTION INTO RUSSIAN
By stone, like in the Bible.
So if the law allowed it, you'd stone them?
LAYLA TRANSLATES
- Yes, he actually agreed, yes. - Do you agree, would you do the same thing?
Well, yeah, I guess so.
MILA SPEAKS RUSSIAN
You're strongly trying to stand for having
- someone's - BLEEP - in your - BLEEP, - and that we see as a disgusting thing.
Uh... I don't even know. I can't even...
REGGIE LAUGHS
It's quite tough to hear some of those views
when they're talking quite directly about people that you know and love.
And I've met a lot of people here who wouldn't hurt a fly,
but there is a whole wave of people
that want them jailed, killed, assaulted.
I'm quickly starting to understand what the
organisers of QueerFest are up against.
It's only day two and I need to find out where they're meeting,
in case the location has changed again.
- Hello, Alfred? - Hi. - Hey, how you doing?
So what is the plan for tonight, are we still meeting up later?
Oh, wow, OK. How are you feeling about that?
Obviously yesterday was tough, and now this.
Standing up for gay rights is clearly an uphill struggle,
but a handful of protestors refuse to be silenced.
In 2013, gay activist Kirill Kalugin held up a rainbow flag
promoting tolerance in central St Petersburg...
..protesting right in the middle of the Russian Airborne Forces'
big military celebration.
Footage of him being attacked by angry paratroopers then
went viral across Russia, and then the world.
FLAT ENTRY BUZZER RINGS
Hello, it's Reggie.
I've tracked Kirill down, and a year later, he's living in a safehouse.
- Green or black? - Um, green's good.
'With a new tattoo on his forehead, a symbol of creative destruction.'
How long have you been protesting?
This isn't exactly the easiest place in the world to be a young gay man.
How did your family react when you did come out?
So when did they realise that you were serious,
that this was who you were?
MEN SHOUT ANGRILY IN RUSSIAN
Kirill's been arrested because of his activism,
and in Russia there's now a law that says if you are arrested
for protesting twice within six months, you can go to prison.
Are you scared of going to jail?
Can you imagine yourself staying here
and spending the rest of your life in this country?
'Amnesty International claim President Putin
'has introduced 13 new repressive laws to silence opposition,'
gay or otherwise, in just the last three years.
One of them is called the solo protest law.
Kirill said he'd show me just how it works
when you want to protest without official permission.
But I'm not too sure why he's brought along a couple
of blank placards.
OK. All right, so why haven't you got anyone with you,
why aren't you protesting with more people today?
If I joined you, we could literally both be arrested,
is that what you're saying?
'Kirill seems to be attracting a lot of attention.
'Most of it negative.'
They seem to be laughing at you. Why are they laughing?
Why does he think it's OK to say that to you? That's ridiculous.
Do you know what? Why not?
50 metres. Do you mind if I join you?
I'm going to keep walking. You tell me when I'm 50 metres, yeah?
Completely legal. It's a legal protest.
That's right. There's nothing on it.
Not a word written on it. Completely legal.
A whole 50 metres apart.
If I look a little nervous...
SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE
..it's because... Oh, crap! I can hear sirens!
It's cos I'm actually looking for police.
Truth is...
It's based on what Kirill was saying,
there's a chance that we both could get arrested right now.
'It's beginning to dawn on me what the law really means.'
I mean, with the amount of distance between myself and Kirill,
we... People might not even see him and then see me.
They might not even realise that we're together.
They might not even realise that we're both protesting.
It's really weird.
I'm sort of in two minds as to whether I should put this down or...
Or, erm, keep it up on my way over to Kirill because now, technically,
I'm close enough to him for the both of us to be arrested because...
..well, we're breaking the law,
literally right up to me folding this away.
- REGGIE LAUGHS - Are you scared?
- No. - Well, I am. I'm putting this away. I ain't going to Russian jail!
I'll tell you that for nothing!
- OK, how cold are you? - Hands.
Are your hands? All right, look.
I think you've done enough. You've done enough, come on.
Come with me, come on.
'It's great to see someone fighting their corner,
'but Kirill seems so vulnerable and alone.
'And even QueerFest, with hundreds of supporters,
'is struggling with a system set against them.'
Hello, everyone. Hello, guys.
- How are you doing? Are you OK? - Yeah, I'm good.
You look really busy. I don't want to disturb you too much.
How is everything?
IN ENGLISH
- They've cut contracts with you? - Yeah, right.
Well, that's twice in...two days.
I mean, it's...
- How are they, how are they finding out? - I don't know.
How are the police finding out about what you're doing?
Maybe they what, sorry?
'This is Russia, so the talk of bugging isn't a total surprise,
'and nor is the fact that the police have made no arrests yet
'in connection with yesterday's homophobic attacks.'
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN
So you're actually going to go to the police today?
Yes.
Right.
'With tonight's event cancelled,
'everyone's heading down to the police station.'
What are you expecting the police to say?
I'm sure they won't be glad to see us!
What's this that he has here in these plastic envelopes,
what's that?
If you've got that many accounts, there must be a reaction, surely.
Yeah...
Is there really a point to keep coming back?
Yes, because...
'But visibility can make you a target.'
Hello, hey. How you doing?
'A homophobic website posting the identities and addresses
'of young, gay activists has led to horrific attacks.'
She looks really young.
'Darya was viciously attacked three years ago,
'and then dropped out of activism for many months.
'She lives on the outskirts of St Petersburg
'with her girlfriend Zhenya and her two dogs.'
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN
I love the fact that even the pillows on your bed
have dogs on them!
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN
'Darya has now built a stable and loving home,
'but things used to be very different.'
What exactly happened?
Oh, my God.
Wow, and, erm...
And what happened? Were they caught?
So if you're not protected by the police,
how are you able to stay safe?
How are you able to stay feeling safe?
'Now Darya's in danger again, with new online abuse.'
Just how serious had the most recent threats got?
Do you think there's more of a chance of what happened to you
happening again?
What do you feel about the anti-propaganda law?
'Darya was stabbed by homophobes and they got away with it.
'And now maybe this new law is making the situation even worse,
'if it's sending the signal that it's OK to hate gays.'
Some people are so scared of the gay and lesbian community,
horrified by, disgusted by, whatever you want to call it,
that they see physically attacking someone and leaving them for dead...
..as acceptable.
'I've only been here a few days, but one thing's for sure,
'the police are everywhere.
'And it feels like voicing any kind of opposition
'could get you into trouble.
'But Kirill tells me about an illegal Stop The War demo
'against the war in Ukraine.
'And despite the risks,
'young radicals, like Kirill, have turned out in force.
'But it's also attracted hardline right-wingers
'and ultranationalists.'
People definitely know your face.
Don't you get worried that someone might attack you?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
'As the peace walk gets going,
'I recognise a face from the Queer Fest opening night -
'and he wasn't inside enjoying the party.'
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Everywhere that I've been,
this, erm... This guy in the blue outfit has been there
and he's been taking photos, and he's been watching.
I haven't really thought anything of it beyond the fact
that he might be a little bit nuts,
but I'm not at home and this is a very, very different climate
and a very, very different place. And, erm...
Things like that make me a little worried.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
'And United Russia
'is the name of the ruling political party.'
Excuse me?
Excuse me, is that a picture of us? Have you got pictures of us?
Right, OK. You've been taking pictures the whole time
that I've been here. What's the reason?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
CROWD CHANTS
'When we get to the main rally,
'I can really see the effect of that one person protest law
'Kirill told me about.'
I don't really feel like I'm in the middle of a demonstration
or a protest because, I mean,
everyone isn't wearing the same colour, there aren't any
signs or placards, and it's just a really strange atmosphere.
'Then it becomes clear why the man in the blue tracksuit
'has been tracking us -
'when he brings over the anti-gay propaganda politician Milonov.'
- I can see he... It's your friend. - Have you met this man before?
Oh, sure, he is a well-known crazy person from St Petersburg,
crazy homosexual.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
We don't have enough space in Russia
for such individuals.
'Just as Milonov leaves,
'another homophobe quickly replaces him.'
'It's Mikhail Kuzmin, who I briefly met at Queer Fest.'
What do you think of activists like Kirill and his friends?
'This is supposed to be a peace march,
'but people like Kirill are getting abused.'
'With the police threatening us, it's time to go,
'but not before I get Mikhail to agree to meet me the next day.'
He looks exactly how I feel!
HE CHUCKLES
It's just so hard to understand the way that people think.
I can't...
I can't get my head around it.
It's just, erm...
It's just really draining trying to...
understand the motivation as to why people are
so full of hate,
so unwilling to understand.
It's just really bloody sad.
# Set sail for St Petersburg
♪ Making use of my time. ♪
'When the Soviet Union collapsed in '91,
'gay life in cities like St Petersburg
'suddenly became visible and decriminalised.
'But now, just 23 years later,
'that all seems to have gone.
'This is a country where 72% of those recently polled
'said being gay is unacceptable.
'I still can't understand what makes the average Russian so homophobic.
'Maybe a bit more time spent with Mikhail will help.'
Mikhail, good to see you again. How are you? You OK?
'Perhaps Mikhail can show me
'what real men in Russia get up to on the weekend...'
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
'..apart from just slagging off gay people, that is.'
So where exactly are we heading to now?
'First, we're meeting up with Mikhail's opponent...'
How are you doing? What's your name?
Victor? Nice to meet you.
'..then it's down to the beach.'
Are you about to start training? Is that the plan?
Ah.
What's with the knife?
Jesus, where did that come from?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
Can I see your knife?
And do you carry that normally?
Will you have that on you all the time?
Yes.
'If there's any doubt whether Victor shares Mikhail's opinion,
'it doesn't last long.'
And if...
If you had a homosexual approach you,
would you use your knife?
'The more I chat to these guys, the more I'm starting to think
'that they're scared of something bigger than homosexuality.'
The thing that's coming through now in a way that I don't think
has really come through before
is, erm, a level of fear.
And I think the fear is that what is traditional
and what is sacred about Russia
could be lost.
Mikhail, are you OK?
- HE SPEAKS RUSSIAN - Are you sure?
Caught a couple to the face there.
Oh, hang on a second,
the police are here. Why have the police turned up?
What's he saying?
'No-one was quite sure why we had to stop filming,
'but guess who's with them?
'The man in the blue tracksuit.'
I think we might be being moved on. I'm not entirely sure why.
Maybe they heard they were going to put the gloves on me(!)
- Didn't want - BLEEP - to get real.
HE LAUGHS
'If I'm going to find out where Victor's extreme views come from,
'I need to spend more time with him.
'Luckily, he's invited me to join him
'for some manly Russian fun.'
REGGIE LAUGHS
What's that?
So, you're going to hit me?
'In the UK, whipping a naked man in a sauna
'could send the kind of message Victor might regret...
'..but Britain suddenly feels very far away.'
If I faint, don't judge me.
Well, we can't go any hotter in here,
cos I'm not hanging in there.
All right, the banya, what does this do?
How does it work? And let's do it.
I'm wearing shorts, buddy.
HE LAUGHS
Oh, my God!
- LAUGHTER - Funny guy! There you go.
- REGGIE LAUGHS - Oh, my God!
What am I doing?!
HE GROANS
- I'm - BLEEP - warm!
HE YELPS
Go, go, go, go.
LAUGHTER
'Now we've bonded,
'maybe Victor can help me understand his problem with gays.'
So, what is it that upsets you about homosexuality so much?
Is it the physicality of two men being together?
Is it the idea of...
of men sleeping with each other? What is it?
Who's having sex with vacuum cleaners?!
I'm just very interested because I don't feel the same way as you.
I'm a straight man, but I don't have the same beliefs,
so I'm trying to understand why you feel the way that you do
about homosexuals.
But this is happening all over the world
and the world isn't necessarily falling apart because...
of the existence of homosexuals.
So you think that gay men could, essentially, pull Russia apart?
Do you think society's going to crumble because of gay men?
'I like Victor.
'After all, I don't let every bloke I meet thrash me
'with a bunch of hot twigs.
'So, I'm really pleased he's invited me to go to a club -
'a traditional Russian folk club.
'Suddenly, he's not the only one dressed in traditional gear.'
THEY SPEAK RUSSIAN
TRADITIONAL RUSSIAN MUSIC PLAYS
'Victor tells me state funded folk clubs like this
'are hugely popular in Russia.'
'And they're not going to let me get away with sitting down.'
Oh, hello.
Oh, mate.
Hey!
APPLAUSE
Very impressed. Very good.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
So, where does this fit into Russian culture, then?
Is this part of modern culture or is this just very, very traditional?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
How important is doing this for young people?
'Maybe this is what Victor thinks he's protecting,
'the good old days.'
THEY SING IN RUSSIAN:
- APPLAUSE - Yes!
Thank you very much.
Spasibo, spasibo, spasibo.
Pleasure. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you for bringing me here, I really appreciate it.
- Bye! - Thank you very much. Pleasure.
That was pretty...pretty special stuff, actually.
And that's the first time I feel like I've really
had an opportunity to see traditional Russian culture,
like, properly.
And when you sort of take someone like Victor,
who, at some points during today,
has felt like quite a scary character,
when you put him in this scenario,
you can understand why he is so...
he's so tied to tradition.
'And it's a tradition that has no room for gay rights.'
# Que sera, sera
# Whatever will be, will be
♪ The future's not ours to see. ♪
'So where does that leave couples like Vanya and Nusrulla?
'Unable to be themselves in public
'and living in fear of being outed,
'or worse.
'It's my last day in St Petersburg.
'They've invited me over for a goodbye dinner
'and they've got a surprise for me.'
- This is my mum. - Hey, how are you doing?
I'm Reggie. I'm Reggie, nice to meet you.
'It's not unusual here to live with three generations,
'but not with your boyfriend as well.'
- Of course. - And this is my grandmother.
Oh, wow.
Hello, how are you doing, Grandmother?
Reggie, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.
When did you come out to your mum?
When he was 16.
16? That's really young.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
You're really lucky to have a mother like that.
That's an amazing, amazing thing to hear a mum say here.
I mean, grandma grew up in a different and difficult time,
how hard was it to have her understand
your new life and your partner?
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
So, what does your mother think
about the two of you living together?
She would prefer to not talk about, erm...
my nature.
Erm...
Like I'm not exist, or something.
She thinks that we have no future.
So, actually, we have some kind of plans, to...
..move in America, USA, and...
- New York. - New York, yeah.
This is his dream.
That's a big jump. I mean, it's a long way away,
it's a completely different culture.
Yeah.
So, we are ready.
'Vanya gives me a tour to show me what they're leaving behind.'
This is the grandmother and mother room.
Hang on a second, so mum and grandmother
- have rainbow pillows on their bed? - Yeah.
Love that.
LAUGHTER
# The only heaven I'll be sent to
♪ Is when I'm alone with you. ♪
Are you finding it difficult
knowing that you're going to leave all of this?
You're planning to leave the city, to leave this sunset and this view.
TRANSLATION FROM RUSSIAN:
And do you want to get married as well?
Yeah, of course, it's the first thing that we want to do...
..is get married.
- And kids? - Yeah, of course.
- Bon appetit. - Bon appetit. - I started ages ago.
Just how much do you worry about your son when he leaves
and how safe do you think that they are?
Do you think there's any chance that your son and his partner
could have the lives that they deserve, here in Russia?
'I wish I could persuade them that they don't need to leave
'but from what I've seen this week, they don't have an alternative
'if they want to raise a family.'
It's the closing night of QueerFest
and they're taking no chances on the location being pulled
at the last minute - the venue's a lesbian bar.
But as I turn up, my heart sinks as I spot the man in blue.
- A sure sign that trouble isn't far away. - Hello.
Do you not think it is a bit juvenile,
sort of hanging around outside a venue, trying to intimidate people?
Are you not a bit too old for that?
'I've had enough hate for one trip.'
Wrap up, wrap up warm.
'I want to join in the celebrations.
'Earlier in the week, I doubted tonight would even go ahead.'
- Hello. - Hi. - Hello. - Hey, how you doing? You OK?
'Inside, I'm amazed to see Darya and her girlfriend,
'finally attending this year's QueerFest.'
You seem in good spirits, then,
are you guys up for a good night tonight?
Are you looking forward to the end of QueerFest?
Well, it's incredibly brave of you to even come to this event
so you deserve a good night, I hope you have one.
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
'I can't leave without saying bye to Alfred.
'He made this happen because he refused to give in.'
Come here, I'm just going to shut up.
'I'm leaving St Petersburg with mixed feelings.
'Russia's going backwards, not forwards,
'when it comes to gay rights.'
But the one thing that I think I'm walking away with,
more than anything, is that there is a gay community here,
that regardless of what the homophobic groups believe
or whatever the Orthodox groups believe,
they are going to continue to fight.
Some people are leaving but a lot of people are willing to stay here
and fight, regardless of the conditions
or, more importantly, the laws.
Next time... Whoa.
..I'm in Siberia, with teenage girls who dream of being
the next millionaire supermodel.
Here, they start them young.
My name is Lisa, I'm 13 years old.
My height is 1.76. I'm from Siberia.
Very young.
But there's a darker side to this dream.