Russian drag queens fear looming ban and crackdown on LGBTQ expression
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Russian drag queens fear a looming ban that would brand the "international LGBT movement" as extremist, punishable by years in prison.
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Drag performer Saffron fears losing the creativity and self-expression that drag allows, while Igor expects the ban to further crack down on the LGBTQ community.
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The ban comes amid a broader conservative turn under Putin, including laws banning "non-traditional" relationships and gender transition procedures.
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Performers say the laws are inflicting "massive trauma," with many in the LGBTQ community fearing confession and facing increased suicide risk.
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Despite the risks, Saffron pledges to continue drag, hoping to change minds through dialogue so Russians understand the LGBTQ community as "vibrant and interesting individuals."