Transgender Visibility Week is coming to an end, but trans people are not going anywhere. Today’s post was written by one of our team members about his experience of living as a trans man in Russia. If you want to support our work, share this post with someone who’d find it interesting!

“Protect the Dolls”, a phrase that began in ballroom culture among Black and Latina trans women in the 1980s, is more than just words on a T-shirt. In ballroom slang, ‘doll’ is a loving term for feminine trans people, celebrating beauty, identity, and resilience.

Visibility saves lives. Behind every statistic is a story of courage, identity, and hope. Let’s commit to creating spaces where every trans person feels seen, safe, and celebrated.

When bodies move, politics follows. Ballet may seem graceful, but for queer Soviet‑era artists, every leap was laden with risk and meaning.

Even when the state tries to isolate us, community finds a way. 🌈 Queer care networks across Russia keep growing, rom private group chats to grassroots mental health circles and small safe spaces in cities and towns. They remind us that care is political.

Sasha Kazantseva is our dear friend and a very loved member of the Russian queer community. Today we’re explaining what it means to be put on the list of terrorists in Russia.

“Parenting Under Cover”, a powerful look into the hidden struggles and emotional toll of raising children as LGBTQ+ parents in Russia. A story of love, resilience, and quiet resistance by Novaya Gazeta Europe.

have you felt like this with the police?

It’s our favorite day of the year, the one where ComingOut finally gets to… come out hehe

Do you know why the L in LGBTQ+ is in the front? A great fun fact with history. Happy lesbian day, kisses from us💋

“I just wrote about what I had witnessed.” 19 years ago today Anna Politkovskaya, a prolific journalist and activist, was murdered. We want to commemorate her memory as the fierce protector of truth and freedom in Russia.

In Russia, queer people are framed as a “threat”, dangerous, extremist, enemies of the state. The reality? Peaceful communities, ordinary lives, people asking for safety and dignity. But every time queer people gather, protest, or simply live openly, they prove the narrative wrong.

This Queer History Month, we remember: queer history isn’t only in the past, it’s being written right now. According to the latest UN report on Russia, queer people are facing unprecedented repression. And yet, queer life persists. Communities keep gathering, voices keep rising.

Stumbling upon Street-Art that resonates with you is like a warm hug from a city. To end this weeks theme of highlighting bisexuality, we hope that the stereotypes around all sexualities and identities keep becoming smaller and we move towards just accepting people for who they are<3 We do at least.

Have you ever been told that some things are just phases? Well this one is here to stay and you will have to deal with it 💋

What we can do here in the West? Staying informed, raising awareness and donating. Every amount of time and money matter. Thank you<3

Lady Gaga, Frank Ocean, and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong are just a few of the many celebrities who identify as bisexual💖 Who is your favourite queer Bi Icon?

This week we are highlighting the B in LGBTQ+ and unlike Sex and the City, where Carrie dismisses it as just a ‘stop on the way to Gaytown,’ we know better. Bisexuality isn’t a phase, it’s a full identity, full of love, joy, and community. This week is about celebrating people and breaking clichés✨

In Russia, it is now illegal to promote the "refusal to nave children" in media and advertising. One could face an administrative penalty for "childfree propaganda" similar to "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations and sex change." Since 2022, abortion rights have also been violated.

We continue to observe how the “LGBTQ extremist organization” law impacts the life of ordinary queer russian people. In today’s post, you will read about violence in gay clubs, what is suggested as “women’s clothes,” and the imprisonment of the former director of a medical center.

Around the world, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. But what truly holds us together? Fabrice Houdart reflects on the power and fragility, of queer solidarity and we couldn’t help but share what he said. From Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown to funding cuts for global equality, the fight isn’t over.

🤝 Do you want to help build a digital guide for people applying for work or residency permits in the EU? Our friends at the start-up @mypaperwork.ai are working on exactly that – with your help, they can make their products even better. -> DM us for more information!

Ever wonder what Saturday mornings looked like on opposite sides of the world? These shows shaped entire childhoods in totally different ways. Watch closely and see if you can spot the biggest differences in style, stories, and vibes. Which ones did you grow up with? 👀

While April and May turn to summer and many pause to rest, for LGBTQ people in Russia, there is no rest from persecution. Our latest digest documents the ongoing persecution of LGBTQ people in Russia.

It has been almost two years since Russia’s Supreme Court declared the “International LGBT movement” as extremist. But at ComingOut, we believe that even in the darkest times, unconditional love can defeat fear!

In today’s post, we’ll show you what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ parent in Russia. Here at ComingOut, we provide free psychological and legal counselling for queer parents and other LGBTQ+ people. If you want to support our work, share this post with anyone who also cares about LGBTQ+ rights.

Leo season is here 🦁 Celebrate by showing your generosity! Or donating to our cause, it's the perfect gift for the Leo in your life (or your inner Leo). Let that big-hearted energy shine! ✨

July 14 is International Non-Binary Day, placed right between International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day to highlight the existence and importance of everyone who lives outside the binary. So today, we say it loud: Fuck binaries. We don’t need to make sense to anyone but us. 💛🤍💜🖤

Unfortunately, queer people are facing the harsh realities of Russian law. We continue to observe a trend towards expanding the scope of repressions against LGBTQ people, and they are affecting not only queer individuals themselves, but also their loved ones, employers — society as a whole.

Even in a never-ending fight for justice, rest is part of the strategy 🕊️ We’re taking a Collective Rest from July 7 to July 20, a chance to slow down during the low season, breathe, and gather strength for the months ahead. Take care of yourselfs<3

One birthday with a big impact. Thanks to Masha and 26 amazing people, we raised €638 to support queer folks in Russia💖 This is your sign: you can do the same. Wether it be at our family dinner or for a friends birthday, you can spark real change. Reach out to us and let’s make it happen!

🩷Since gaining more followers we wanted to re-introduce us: Since 2008, we at Coming Out have been standing with LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones in Russia, we are offering support, protection, and hope in the face of adversity! Welcome to the family🌟

These are real stories. Real numbers. Real people still living, surviving and resisting in Russia. This is one of the largest dataset on LGBT+ experiences in Russia in 2024, based on over 6,000 responses. You can find the full report via our website.

Proud to share our 2024 Annual Report🌟 A year of growth, resilience and impact! Thank you to our team, partners and community for being part of the journey💞 Here’s to continuing our momentum in 2025!

In January 2024, Russia labeled the so-called “International LGBT Movement” as extremist. This means criminal charges for activism, events, donations — with prison sentences of up to 10 years. Yes, even for donating. 1/6

Today is Trans Day of Visibility—a day to celebrate trans people & recognize the challenges they face. In Russia, transition is now illegal. But the community continues to fight back 🏳️‍⚧️💜 #TransDayOfVisibility

From underground clubs to the world’s largest stages, music has always been the centerpiece of the queer community's struggle for rights and recognition. Today, we are exploring how music can become a weapon, a way of protest, and a symbol of hope over the decades. Share yours!

Queerphobia in Russia doesn’t only affect activists or those who choose to be open about their identity. It affects everyone, even those who try their best to hide it. In today’s post, we’re sharing a few stories from our followers. Some were outed and fired, others denied employment altogether.

Life begins where fear ends, and ComingOut exists to encourage queer people to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. Every day, we provide LGBTQ+ people in Russia with legal and career counseling, psychological help, and a space to find support. 1/7

Today, we want to share the story of Alex (name changed for safety reasons). A 36-year-old nonbinary person from Cheboksary, Alex felt completely alone when the full-scale war in Ukraine began. They had no friends in the city and felt trapped.

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to wish all of you to never have to fight your government for your right to love 🤍 Meanwhile, with your support, we will keep protecting those who still have to do that in Russia.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to search for a relationship in a country that’s made it illegal to talk about who you are? Here's a glimpse into the realities of dating for trans people in Russia. 1/8

As we say goodbye to this year and welcome the next, we thank you for your love and solidarity with queer people in Russia. This year has been tough, but your support has given us strength and hope. Here’s to a new year where love knows no borders. Wishing you warmth and joy this holiday season! 🤍