I've had mixed experiences with homophobia in Moscow.
On the one hand, when you meet (in my case usually the younger generation) on a one to one basis you can gauge what the deal is and decide whether you can talk about queerness or (woah!) being queer yourself. I have met people who are very open and accepting of all sexualities, both straight and gay/other sexuality themselves. I have lesbian friends and have been to lesbian clubs... so I have had some positive experiences here.
I have even had some of my students (both teens and adults) in class at least defend homosexuality to some extent and express an, at best, neutral opinion towards it as a topic. I've not had any pro-homosexuality students yet, nor any out gay students.
Then, sadly, I have to witness the classic "gay as insult" teenage banter, intense embarrassment at any mention of gayness etc. Still, that's pretty much par for the course in the UK right?
Then, worst of all, I've had to sit through mini-homophobe-monologues from some of my adult students in classes when it has come up in conversations. All the "it's morraly wrong, disgusting, should be banned" stuff.. which I have to reply to with: "well, everyone has their own differing opinions on this topic" and try and move on as quickly as possible. I haven't taken on the mantle of de-homophobing Russia I have to admit.
Basically, as you know, Russia is a very mixed up place where everything is black or white and people stand strongly by their own opinions so you hear a lot of interesting things. Like one of my friends here who I met through my lesbian friend was like "Yeah, I know our friend is gay and I like her, but... as a group I hate gay people" or "Gay people should just stay quiet, I mean, I don't mind what they do at home but just don't stick it in my face. Ever."
Just yesterday, one of my adult students was fretting because he'd heard the Brighton is a "gay town" and he was going to study there! I had to tell him that it wasn't a town populated 100% with gay people (woes!) and that it was a beautiful, vibrant, cultural city that is definitely worth visiting.
Also, this is Moscow I guess so reasonably open and cosmopolitan... I don't know if it is the same for Kitezh?!
Anyway, I guess the same rule applies generally about coming out in the UK. Just gauge the person and tell them if you want. If they are your friend, it should be OK. :)
Also, I totally agree with elder_goddess: "Most of the people in the world are wrong about most things most of the time" Absolutely true! Do your own thing! :D
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 08:15 am (UTC)I've had mixed experiences with homophobia in Moscow.
On the one hand, when you meet (in my case usually the younger generation) on a one to one basis you can gauge what the deal is and decide whether you can talk about queerness or (woah!) being queer yourself. I have met people who are very open and accepting of all sexualities, both straight and gay/other sexuality themselves. I have lesbian friends and have been to lesbian clubs... so I have had some positive experiences here.
I have even had some of my students (both teens and adults) in class at least defend homosexuality to some extent and express an, at best, neutral opinion towards it as a topic. I've not had any pro-homosexuality students yet, nor any out gay students.
Then, sadly, I have to witness the classic "gay as insult" teenage banter, intense embarrassment at any mention of gayness etc. Still, that's pretty much par for the course in the UK right?
Then, worst of all, I've had to sit through mini-homophobe-monologues from some of my adult students in classes when it has come up in conversations. All the "it's morraly wrong, disgusting, should be banned" stuff.. which I have to reply to with: "well, everyone has their own differing opinions on this topic" and try and move on as quickly as possible. I haven't taken on the mantle of de-homophobing Russia I have to admit.
Basically, as you know, Russia is a very mixed up place where everything is black or white and people stand strongly by their own opinions so you hear a lot of interesting things. Like one of my friends here who I met through my lesbian friend was like "Yeah, I know our friend is gay and I like her, but... as a group I hate gay people" or "Gay people should just stay quiet, I mean, I don't mind what they do at home but just don't stick it in my face. Ever."
Just yesterday, one of my adult students was fretting because he'd heard the Brighton is a "gay town" and he was going to study there! I had to tell him that it wasn't a town populated 100% with gay people (woes!) and that it was a beautiful, vibrant, cultural city that is definitely worth visiting.
Also, this is Moscow I guess so reasonably open and cosmopolitan... I don't know if it is the same for Kitezh?!
Anyway, I guess the same rule applies generally about coming out in the UK. Just gauge the person and tell them if you want. If they are your friend, it should be OK. :)
Also, I totally agree with elder_goddess: "Most of the people in the world are wrong about most things most of the time" Absolutely true! Do your own thing! :D