Since Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the anti-gay propaganda bill into law back in June of last year, we've extensively covered the impact of the law, shows of anti-gay prejudice across Russia, the media's coverage of the issue and the reactions the law elicited from LGBT activists and allies across the world.
Now a new book has been released, Gay Propaganda, edited by Masha Gessen and Joseph Huff-Hannon, that serves as “a collection of stories, interviews and testimonials about the lives and loves of LGBT Russians living both in Russia and in exile today.” The project tells the “tales of long-term commitment, dating, and daily life—offer[ing] a timely and intimate window into the lives of Russians persecuted for who they love.”
Says former Rep. Barney Frank of the book:
"The most potent weapon in the fight against anti-LGBT prejudice is the reality of who we are instead of the caricatures presented by our opponents. The bigots who seek to censor our reality by banning 'gay propaganda' understand this. So do Masha Gessen and Joseph Huff-Hannon. Projects like theirs are the most potent weapon in the fight against anti-LGBT prejudice, putting the reality of who we are against the caricatures presented by our prejudiced opponents."
You can find out more about the book and buy it HERE.