Moscow - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, the country is not accepting of the LGBT lifestyle. - Dec 2023
Not great, but seems to be some progress. - Nov 2018
Probably not. - Oct 2017
Not really. Russian are not known for their support of LGBT. - Sep 2016
Probably not - at least not if you want to live openly. - May 2016
Yes and no. There is a lively LGBT scene, as would be expected of a city this large and varied, but many Russians are homophobic these days. - Sep 2015
No - Russia is homophobic - Jun 2015
Nope and getting worse. - Oct 2014
There are gay clubs and bars but with the passing of the recent ban of LGBT propaganda, it seems less and less safe to be openly homosexual here. - Nov 2013
Most Russians support recent legislation that makes it a crime to promote homosexuality. Moscow supposedly has a gay scene, though it's not in the open. Gays will not find a very welcoming atmosphere here. - Jul 2013
NO. Homophobic attitudes have been endorsed by recent legislation outlawing anything that "promotes homosexuality," which can be applied very broadly. There has been violence against gays and lesbians in regional cities in Russia. I would imagine an openly-gay couple in Russia, showing any display of affection in public, might actually be in danger. Of course within the embassy community it's fine and accepted, but in the greater Russians society, not at all. - Jul 2013
I have heard that it is not a gay-friendly place. - Jan 2013
Probably not. Russians lean toward xenophobia and later in the evening, it's not unusual to see groups of people sitting around drinking. Drunk young people are more likely to show intolerance. - Mar 2012
I haven't heard anything specific, but I've heard it's not that great. There is prejudice, etc and we've never seen an openly gay couple in public. - May 2011
Russian attitudes toward homosexuality are reminiscent of American attitudes from forty years ago. The current mayor of Moscow is an avowed opponent of equal (or any) rights for gays and lesbians. That having been said, there is a gay and lesbian scene here, and as this is the biggest city in Russia, you will probably find more Russians who are tolerant of homosexuality here than anywhere else in the country. - Jul 2010
Have not heard. - May 2010
Strangely, the Russian mentality is very anti-gay, but there are known nightclubs. Russian men and women don't mind women just fooling around with other women, but they look down on lesbian relationships. - May 2010
A small gay and lesbian scene exists, but there is some prejudice against openly gay people. - Feb 2010
no - Jan 2010
I'm sorry. I don't know. I would think so. But it won't be easy to find at first. - Nov 2009
It's a little difficult to connect with this community outside the embassy, it's pretty old-fashioned here. But I'm sure once you get clued in, you'll be fine. - Oct 2009
There's a growing community here, but it is not quite at U.S. comfort level yet. - Aug 2009
Probably not. Russians are not very accepting of homosexuality. - Aug 2009
You wouldn't think so, but those we know who could answer this say they have no complaints. - Jul 2009
Probably not. Homosexuality is still frowned upon (Moscow's mayor has repeatedly denied requests to hold a gay pride parade in the city, calling the organizers some very insulting names) and gays/lesbians still have to hide their sexual identities for the most part. - Sep 2008
