How LGBTQ Christians in Russia are holding on to their faith despite condemnation from the Russian Orthodox Church

For nearly three years, queer people in Russia have effectively been treated as outlaws: On November 30, 2023, the authorities declared the nonexistent “LGBT movement” “extremist.” The Russian Orthodox Church has joined the government’s campaign against LGBTQ people, and for believers, pressure from the church is often even more traumatic. Reporting for Meduza, the LGBTQ outlet Just Got Lucky spoke with queer believers and priests who support them about how they explain to themselves and their loved ones that their sexuality does not conflict with their faith.