Since the start of the year, six LGBT initiatives have already been declared "extremist." Is it safe to turn to them for help?

Since the start of the year, six LGBT initiatives have already been declared "extremist." Is it safe to turn to them for help?

"First Department" and LGBT rights lawyer Max Olenichev answer:

Yes. At this point, there has not been a single case of persecution of a person who sought psychological, legal, or other help from an LGBT initiative. At present, such actions do not fall under the concept of "LGBT extremism."

However, if a person receives advice from an LGBT initiative on activism in Russia, then theoretically this could be classified as "participation in the activities of an extremist organization."

Receiving individual consultations on behalf of an LGBT initiative is not a crime and is conditionally safe. If you are in Russia, it is better to keep an eye on law enforcement practice and follow basic safety rules in order to minimize risks as much as possible.

🔗 What else should be known by those for whom LGBT initiatives matter was подробно разобрали наши друзья из «Первого отдела". You can read the answers to the main questions here.

🛟 Subscribe to OVD-Info. We explain what to do if you or your loved ones come under pressure from the authorities.

First Department

It is still legal to seek help from LGBTQ initiatives

In the guide, we explain how to do this as safely as possible