It should come as no surprise to anyone that life for Russian LGBT residents is miserable. Russian president Vladimir Putin has made sure to use policy to turn his country into an ultra-conservative hellhole.
A myriad of laws passed in Russia have not only banned same-sex marriage, but also condemned an entire community to the point of ruthless scapegoating. Any acts or “propaganda” promoting non-heterosexuality can result in a fine and even arrest.
Last year, Putin and global pop star Elton John agreed to meet and discuss these issues. It was speculate the meeting would happen while John was performing in Russia in May, but scheduling conflicts caused Putin to postpone.
In a Rolling Stone interview in 2015, John said he hopes to change Putin’s understanding and tolerance for homosexuality. He said he won’t attempt to lecture Putin but rather plans on having a polite discussion on the issues.
“We’ll have a cup of coffee or a cup of tea and hopefully have a lovely conversation about music, sports and then the political thing about gay people,” John said.
Several gay and transgender people have been attacked and killed on account of Russia’s anti-gay mentality.
A survey conducted by Dazed magazine asked about the living conditions for LGBT residents in Russia. A vast majority of responses said they didn’t feel safe in their home country.
Who could blame them? To say life is safe for gay for transgender people in Russia would be like saying life was safe for Protestants during the Spanish Inquisition or African-Americans in the Antebellum South.
It’s so strange and surreal. It’s the total embodiment of David Bowie’s “Heroes” — true love forbidden and isolated by a corrupt government.
So it makes sense for John to be the spokesperson of the LGBT community in this situation. He’s been out since the 1970s and is one of the most famous openly gay musicians.
This also won’t be John’s first time hanging out with a public figure accused of homophobia. Much to his surprise, he was asked to perform at conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s wedding.
It’s not sure whether or not Putin is a fan of John’s music. Like most traits about him that don’t fuel his hyper-masculinity, he doesn’t talk about it.
However, Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian president is very much aware of John’s fame. Perhaps this will protect John from any, er, “accidental deaths” during his time in Russia.
Regardless, this is still a pretty bizarre meeting on par with the Sean Penn/El Chapo interview and Elvis Presley/Richard Nixon White House meeting.
Even though, as far as anyone is aware, the meeting will be completely confidential, perhaps Putin is intimidated at the thought of discussing the topic, lest any of his personal opinions are leaked to the press. The next Russian presidential election is only two years away, after all.
It could be safe to say the meeting will be fine, but remember Putin suffers from Ernest Hemingway syndrome. In other words, he’s a ultra-macho sexist homophobic asshole.
It seems highly doubtful that Putin will take any form of advice from a homosexual pop star who dresses up like a masculine Lady Gaga every night, but I think this is a conflict worth starting.
If this turns into a battle of cultures, let it be. Make it into the greatest diplomatic bar brawl we ever saw in our lives.
After all, Saturday night’s all right for fighting.
afaulds@umail.iu.edu | @a_faulds9615
