Gay and St.Petersburg

Old Mar 31st, 2015, 06:47 AM
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Gay and St.Petersburg

I'm an Italian student from Rome and I'm considering a 3-weeks trip in St.Petersburg to study in the SP state University. I will probably reside in an international hostel near the university.

The problem is, I'm a gay person and I know gay people are not really welcome in Russia. I've been to Riga two times to study russian and I've never had problems. I don't look "gay" and I have no intention of saying anything and respect their culture and believes.

I want to know if russian people can be inquisitive towards tourists's sexual orientation and if it could be dangeorous just to walk around being a gay person.

I know the question is silly, but I really need to take it into consideration...
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 06:50 AM
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*I have no intention of saying anything TO respect their culture and believes, I'm sorry.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 07:18 AM
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Great question.

As long as you don't mind visiting a country that treats opposition politicians as dead meat, locks lawyers up, steals countries (multiple), steals assets for the elite and bans one of your core tenants then you should be ok.

But on a positive note, people will not ask unless you thrust the issue in their face. So not tells and no activity.

Still I'm straight, Dukey may have some better advice.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 07:25 AM
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I agree with what biloburgler said.

What do you mean "I don't look Gay."?

I don't think anyone is going to ask if you are gay.

Dukey1 should be able to help you allay your fears.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 07:37 AM
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I mean I'm not "flamboyant" and I'll leave the fancy italian clothes in Rome.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 07:55 AM
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I've been to St. Petersburg but have never lived there so I'm not sure I can give much useful advice. Nobody ever asked me if I am gay or not and I am not sure how related that might be to how I dress and act.

I would advise discretion and in fact I always advise discretion. I wish I could be more helpful but I agree with Percy, basically.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 08:06 AM
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I guess I should just keep a low profile
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 08:56 AM
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I have been to St.Petersburg and I can't see that in the hussle and bussle of city life, that anyone is going to look at you sideways.

Walk about and visit like you own the place, take pictures, smile, say Hi to people as needed and enjoy your visit.

Discretion , yes, but you probably do that anyway .

Have a nice trip. Best of Luck.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 09:03 AM
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A close relative of mine lives in St Petersburg. You will only be there 3 weeks - so as long as you don't go looking for gay companionship no one will assume anything one way or the other.

Living there long term would be a whole other issue/problem.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 09:04 AM
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A close relative of mine lives in St Petersburg. You will only be there 3 weeks - so as long as you don't go looking for gay companionship no one will assume anything one way or the other.

Living there long term would be a whole other issue/problem.
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 09:05 AM
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sorry for the duplicate post -- the site locked up on me . . .
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 09:42 AM
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Not understanding the relevance of Riga, which is in Latvia. It's not like the Latvians are going to be reliable bellwethers of Russian sentiment considering they don't like Putin and separated from Russia.

I'm guessing the "I don't look gay" assessment means the OP dresses and presents himself more like Mark Gatiss than Elton John. That's not a value assessment as to either.

St. Petersburg is a large city. You should be fine as long as you are VERY discrete in any romantic activities. If there are none, then I'm doubting anyone will look at you with any real scrutiny not applied to any other tourist bopping around taking photos.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2015, 12:21 AM
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Hi! I am with my partner live in UK for 13 years but I am originally from ST. Petersburg. We visiting Russia every year. One thing I would like to tell you about St.petersburg it is very gay friendly and just very friendly .DO NOT BE AFRAID TO GO THERE and live there. There is plenty of clubs and bars where hang up. One club particular I would like to suggest CLUB "KABARET" fantastic places . Good Luck! Archie
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Old Apr 2nd, 2015, 04:00 AM
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If I were gay I would boycott all things Russia - pressure like that works! (See Indiana's homophobic treatment of gays as proof that boycotts and pressure works - in fact Indiana seems more gay un-friendly than St Pete's from Archie's experience.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2015, 04:04 AM
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It makes a much larger impact when straight people ALSO participate in boycotts.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2015, 06:26 AM
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This is from 2012, but seems still current:

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/a...ng/455801.html

Other useful web sites:

www.gay.ru (national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual site)

www.krilija.sp.ru (St. Petersburg Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Centre and travel agency)

www.xs.gay.ru (good guide to St. Petersburg's gay and lesbian scene, but only in Russian)
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