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What does Russian culture say about Homosexuality?
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Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Everyone,

I wonder if there is some references in Russian culture and literature that talks about what Russians think of Homosexuality?

In this thread, let's try to stick to specific meaningful examples rather than general opinions.

It would also be interesting what Russians are taught in their families about Homosexuality? Some specific stories from families about what they were told about homosexuality would be helpful.

Thank you,

Khashyar

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

Nick once told me that it is a major part of the "russian soul" is for a man to want to be a father and to have children.

The requirement to have children is paramount and considered the greatest responsibility once becoming an adult.

Therefore, homosexuality runs against that belief system's goals and is not good for society or the continuation of the race.

And it is feared that if being gay is accepted it will become more common and more people will choose not to have children.

Those who are gay in Russia must hide to avoid harassment and shame from the majority.

If no one can see gay people and make their own conclusions, than the myths will continue without challenge. (my thoughts at the end)

Posted by: Lucius

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai_Bob

Nick once told me that it is a major part of the "russian soul" is for a man to want to be a father and to have children.

The requirement to have children is paramount and considered the greatest responsibility once becoming an adult.

Therefore, homosexuality runs against that belief system's goals and is not good for society or the continuation of the race.

And it is feared that if being gay is accepted it will become more common and more people will choose not to have children.

Those who are gay in Russia must hide to avoid harassment and shame from the majority.

If no one can see gay people and make their own conclusions, than the myths will continue without challenge. (my thoughts at the end)

well i can't say that's really a true statement because personnaly i've never been taught such things while growing up

i've been to homosexual pubs several times and i've spoken to the guys which are gays or bisexual and i wouldn't say i have any premonitions about them most of them are quite pleasant people to communicate with and i wouldn't mind even if a friend of mine was a homo) I guess there are people not only in Russia but in many other countries who are completely obsessed with puritanic ideas and i can't say i respect them for being such limited in their judgements) If it's natural for u - then u shouldn't listen to anybody who shall stand across your road to happiness

Posted by: Felice

My mother used to know a gay, he was a pleasant guy.
I have nothing against their orientation, I myself played the role of lesbian in the past to get rid of guys

I just against imposing gay ideas on other people, especially vulnerable
kids.

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felice

My mother used to know a gay, he was a pleasant guy.
I have nothing against their orientation, I myself played the role of lesbian in the past to get rid of guys

I just against imposing gay ideas on other people, especially vulnerable
kids.

But I guess it's ok to force straight orientation on a gay kid?
Believe me I was one, and it was no fun.

I sense from your post that you perhaps think being gay is a choice; countless times I have wished you were right but nature for me had a different plan.

Percentage wise, we are rare in society but we do exist and exist with all mammals too. The best research shows sexual orientation is determined prior to the age of 5.

Just last month I was approached by a friend whose son is 8, and "different". Open minded parents can tell when one is on the way, and the best parents protect them from harmful influences, bigotry, and seek help in nurturing them from us. These are better times than when I was growing up and having been forced feed straight orientation, and keeping girlfriends for the "cover" it provided from exposure.

In summary I must state, there is no way to change a person's sexual orientation at any age. I've seen gays try to change with religion and they end with nervous breakdowns, and attempts of suicide. Or they try to marry and have a family only to leave them later when they can't handle it anymore.

I do not want to promote my lifestyle on anyone.
I do seek equal civil rights for all citizens of my country, and hope to enlighten others, and at the same time I am learning how to better exist with my society and contribute what I can. There are still many myths and fears about gays, and how else can the public learn to overcome them, if you cannot see and hear us?

Don' worry about people offending me with some comments; I grew up hearing it everyday and my skin is thick enough, thank you.

Posted by: max_1

Unfortunately Russia is not "open" about homosexuality. It is a big problem - at least in Moscow where I live. There are often cases about violence toward homosexually especially. Gay marriages are also not allowed. A big reason is their church which is old fasion like nothing to compare with. Entering a orthodoxal church - is like stepping 300 years back in time. Women have to cover hair, and the main "idea" in church is "the more you suffer in this life - the better life you will get in heaven"..

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai_Bob

There are still many myths and fears about gays, and how else can the public learn to overcome them, if you cannot see and hear us?

I have always wondered why gay people call those who disagree with their lifestyle "homophobic". I have never been "afraid" of gay people. It sounds good though, especially to those who want to be victims.

I disagree with much of what you said in your previous post, especially about homosexuality being in all mammals in nature. Hogwash! I recently saw a great documentary called "Encounters at the End Of The World" about Antartica. I have always heard about how gay penguins are. They talked to the world's foremost authority on penguins who has been observing them for 20 straight years. He said he has never seen one single instance of gay penguins.

We love ya Samurai. I just think you have bought into a lie. And I'm sorry you have had to endure so much hate in your life. You are a intelligent, eloquent guy. And you are a great asset to this forum.

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_1

Unfortunately Russia is not "open" about homosexuality. It is a big problem - at least in Moscow where I live. There are often cases about violence toward homosexually especially. Gay marriages are also not allowed. A big reason is their church which is old fasion like nothing to compare with. Entering a orthodoxal church - is like stepping 300 years back in time. Women have to cover hair, and the main "idea" in church is "the more you suffer in this life - the better life you will get in heaven"..

Max it isn't the church in Russia that is persecuting gays. I doubt that any of the thugs who beat up gay people are good church-going folks who pray, light candles, and read their Bibles. It is the same old racist crap and hate that affects not only gays, but Chechens, foreigners, and almost anybody that is not a natural Russian. Why does almost everything get blamed on the church?

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheburashka

Good to hear from you Cheburashka.

For animals it is more a lack of reproduction instinct.
You hear of a male sheep being "good for the herd."

Often I've heard about farmers/ranchers who decide which cattle to slaughter based on if they will reproduce or not.

I know nothing about penguins.

If I implied homophobic in my post forgive me.
Your right about dealing with hatred especially when we are young. I'm no more a victim than anyone and frankly had a very good life so far compared to most. We deal with it like someone of color, mostly we ignore it and never return the hate. People only see the obvious gays and they are far from the normal majority who don't expose themselves, and in turn allow the loud offensive ones to be the standard of our kind. I would be the first at a gay pride parade to tell you that a lot of the people are too freaky for me too and they are a minority within a minority, but still the most visual.

In my life I have personally known over a dozen male teenagers who took their lives to end the pain. It is hard for me to find words to express what it feels like to someone who hasn't been there. I believe things are better now, but the latest one was 1996.

I may on occasion answer a topic regarding orientation but I hope to back off that topic on this forum. There is so much more regarding the FSU to discuss. Current events have me quite worried now.

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheburashka

The Russian Muslims are far more trouble for Russian gays than the Church. I've read of gay bashing gangs of young Muslims in Moscow causing much fear at this time.

Several men have died recently.
St. Petersburg seems to be the exception with no problems.

Posted by: max_1

I know main part of Russians actually doesn't even go to church - and I also doubt many of you guys do

But lets face it Religion lays deep beneath us all. It's a fundemental basic for our life - and go and talk to a Russian priest about homosexuality !
Do they allow you to get married ? Niet !
That church are so old fasion that I really recommend everyone to go there and see ! Women with hairs covered, priests with long beard - and this little "smoking" lamp.
And as I said - they belive the more you suffer in this life the better your life will be in heaven..

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_1

Do they allow you to get married ? Niet !

Of course they don't allow you to get married, its a Sin against God. What gets me is the hypocrisy of gay priests and pastors. Even tho their lifestyle is a sin, they still preach. Makes me wonder if there are any gay priests in Russia since the church is so old fashioned as you say.