mythical global LGBT ideology to focus the current Russia – West conflict against the Gays and against the Freedom – Google Search google.com/search?q=mythical…
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. This propaganda demonizes LGBTQ+ people as enemies of the state, frames Western support for LGBTQ+ rights as a form of cultural imperialism, and uses claims about “LGBT ideology” to suppress freedom of expression and target LGBTQ+ communities both domestically and abroad.Russian government and state-controlled media have manufactured a “mythical global LGBT ideology” and portray it as a threat to traditional values to consolidate power and manufacture public consent for its geopolitical conflictsThe “mythical global LGBT ideology” constructThe Kremlin’s propaganda rebrands LGBTQ+ identities and rights as a pernicious, foreign ideology rather than a human rights issue.Fabricating an “extremist movement”: In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court designated the “international LGBT public movement” as an extremist organization, a move decried by human rights organizations as targeting a non-existent entity to justify widespread persecution. This enabled authorities to pursue criminal charges for actions linked to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Framing LGBTQ+ rights as a threat: Russian officials and state media have framed LGBTQ+ rights as “perversions that lead to degradation and extinction”. By linking LGBTQ+ issues to broader narratives about social decay, Russia positions itself as a defender of “traditional values” against a morally corrupt West.
Extending “propaganda” laws: The government has progressively expanded its notorious “gay propaganda” law. Initially targeting “non-traditional sexual relations” among minors in 2013, the law was broadened in 2022 to apply to all adults, effectively outlawing any public expression of LGBTQ+ identity.
Leveraging LGBTQ+ prejudice to advance conflict goalsThe manufactured “LGBT ideology” is used to strengthen Russian authoritarianism, vilify opponents, and justify geopolitical actions, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine.Scapegoating and consolidation of power: The anti-LGBTQ+ narrative is used to suppress dissent and create a common enemy for a nationalist agenda. Critics of the regime are portrayed as un-Russian and aligned with “Western values,” using homophobia as a tool to distract from military failures and socio-economic problems.
Weaponizing homophobia against Ukraine: Propaganda has been used to denigrate Ukrainian leaders by portraying them as feminine or homosexual, thereby attempting to make them appear weak or unnatural. The invasion of Ukraine is framed as a righteous war to protect traditional values from Western influence.
Justifying authoritarianism: The suppression of LGBTQ+ rights is consistent with Russia’s broader shift toward increased authoritarianism. A decline in emancipative values, including the acceptance of diverse sexualities, is a tool used by the regime to suppress democratic pressure and reinforce control.
Impacts on freedoms in RussiaThe state-sponsored campaign against the LGBTQ+ community severely erodes freedoms in Russia.Increased violence and persecution: The propaganda fuels discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Following the “extremist” designation, police have conducted raids on gay clubs, and there have been reports of increased threats and violence.
Restriction of speech and information: The expanded “gay propaganda” laws impose hefty fines on individuals and media platforms for showing content that includes LGBTQ+ themes. This creates a climate of fear and self-censorship, with companies and individuals removing LGBTQ+ content to avoid prosecution.
Persecution of foreign nationals: The enforcement of these laws extends to foreign citizens, with multiple reports of deportations for offenses as minor as posting dating profiles online.
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mythical global LGBT ideology to focus the current Russia – West conflict against the Gays and against the Freedom
. Russia portrays itself as a defender of “traditional values” against the West’s alleged promotion of “gender freedoms,” which the Kremlin equates with a destructive, immoral force.The term “mythical global LGBT ideology” is a narrative promoted by the Russian government to frame its conflict with the West and persecute LGBTQ+ people at home
This is not a legitimate ideology but a political tool to achieve several goals for the Russian government:
Generate an ideological basis for war. By claiming to be at war with “Western values,” including “so-called gender freedoms,” Russian leadership can portray the invasion of Ukraine as a moral battle rather than an act of aggression. This rhetoric turns homophobia into an “ideology for war,” fueling nationalism and support for its foreign policy.
Scapegoat LGBTQ+ individuals and civil society. The Kremlin uses anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric to identify and crack down on internal enemies, which includes silencing political opposition and human rights groups. This was demonstrated in November 2023 when the Russian Supreme Court designated the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organization, allowing authorities to prosecute anyone expressing solidarity with LGBTQ+ people.
Increase authoritarian control. The expansion of anti-LGBTQ+ laws has been central to the consolidation of authoritarian power in Russia under Vladimir Putin. By promoting “traditional values” and suppressing LGBTQ+ rights, the government limits social freedoms and suppresses dissent, hindering the country’s democratic development.
Demonize the West. The narrative frames the West as a decadent, immoral “other” seeking to impose its values on Russia. This has been used in propaganda campaigns that depict Europe as “Gayrope” and suggest that accepting LGBTQ+ rights is a form of Western colonization that threatens national identity.
The rhetoric has had devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ people in Russia. Following the 2023 “extremism” ruling, Russian security forces began raiding establishments frequented by the LGBTQ+ community, and many people have been unjustly imprisoned. The legislation and accompanying disinformation campaigns have resulted in a climate of fear and violence, forcing many LGBTQ+ people to flee the country for their safety.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 12, 2025
