Russia's Sappho: Sophia Parnok; The Life and Work of Russia's Sappho

In the Soviet Union and in present-day Russia, homophobia was and is something that united Communists and dissidents. Although it is common to see Russians of the same sex walking arm in arm, bear-hugging and kissing in public, homosexuality is widely stigmatized. This was not always the case. In th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of lesbian studies Vol. 1; no. 3/4; p. 124
Main Authors Ruthchild, Rochelle G, Lewis, Burgin Diana
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis LLC 31.12.1997
Subjects
Gays & lesbians
Government
Human relations
International relations
Interpersonal communication
Personal relationships
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Summary:In the Soviet Union and in present-day Russia, homophobia was and is something that united Communists and dissidents. Although it is common to see Russians of the same sex walking arm in arm, bear-hugging and kissing in public, homosexuality is widely stigmatized. This was not always the case. In the 1920s the Soviets decriminalized homosexuality and boasted that they were first to liberate their people from malicious sexual stereotypes. By the early 1930s however, proponents of Soviet sexual liberation were silenced and the Stalinist government recriminalized male homosexuality. Lesbians, not mentioned in the law, risked confinement in mental hospitals, if discovered. For a complete reprint of this article contact Haworth Press by telephone (1-800-HAWORTH) or EMAIL (getinfo@haworthpressinc.com). Article copyright The Haworth Press, Inc.
ISSN:1089-4160
1540-3548