The LGBTQ+ group “Coming Out” and the Sphere Foundation are presenting the results of their annual study on the situation of LGBTQ+ people in Russia for the third time. The 2024 survey included 6,403 participants from across the country. Despite some positive shifts, the overall situation remains tense. Many indicators in 2024 returned to 2022 levels after a sharp deterioration in 2023. However, this does not signify real improvement—it more likely reflects that LGBTQ+ people have become more closed off and cautious, increasingly avoiding situations where they might face violence or discrimination. Nevertheless, we continue to see a rise in hate-based violence and pressure. This year, the increase is less steep than in the previous year, but the trend persists.

In addition to the large-scale survey, we also spoke with a variety of experts: lawyers, human rights defenders, activists, and queer media professionals. They shared their observations on how repressive legislation is being implemented (including the Russian Supreme Court’s ruling on “extremism,” the “propaganda” law, and the ban on gender transition). All of our interviewees noted the atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and isolation that LGBTQ+ people live in, as well as the lack of legal clarity. Yet even under these conditions, experts noted the growth of adaptive strategies, increased mobilization within the community, the emergence of new initiatives, and hope for the development of new protection mechanisms.