In the Soviet Union and its successor states, LGBTQ+ people faced severe discrimination and persecution due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite these obstacles, queer communities were able to maintain their identities, preserve their history, and resist erasure through various means. One such method was using coded language and symbolism in literature, art, and music to express their experiences without drawing attention from the authorities.
In Russian poetry, the term "blue stocking" was used to refer to women who engaged in same-sex relationships, while the word "dacha" could mean both a summer home and a lesbian lover. In addition, underground publications and networks played an important role in disseminating information about queer culture and history.
These activities carried significant risks as they could result in arrest and imprisonment.
Another way that queer communities resisted erasure was by creating safe spaces where they could gather and socialize. These spaces included gay bars, clubs, and private parties that served as hubs for community building and cultural expression. Some of the most notable venues were Moscow's Arbat Street and St. Petersburg's Nevsky Prospect. They were also places where individuals could find employment opportunities and support networks. While these spaces provided a sense of belonging and solidarity, they were often raided and shut down by the police.
Queer communities developed strategies to preserve their memory and historical narratives. This involved writing diaries, keeping archives, and recording oral histories. Many individuals were arrested and sentenced to labor camps for engaging in homosexual acts, but some managed to document their experiences before their deaths. The work of researchers like Masha Gessen and Nikolai Alexeyev has helped bring this hidden history to light and challenge prevailing myths about Soviet LGBTQ+ people. Throughout the years, activists have organized events such as Pride marches and demonstrations to demand equality and recognition. Despite the dangers and restrictions faced, these efforts have contributed to the emergence of a vibrant and diverse queer scene in post-Soviet Russia and beyond.
How have queer communities in Soviet and post-Soviet contexts resisted erasure, maintained identity, and constructed historical memory under oppressive conditions?
Queer communities in Soviet and post-Soviet contexts resisted erasure by forming safe spaces for themselves such as "pink" cafes and clubs where they could openly express their identities despite the disapproval of the government. They were able to maintain their identity through these spaces and build community with one another. Through these places, they also engaged in various forms of resistance against repression, whether it be political, social, or cultural.