Propaganda? What Propaganda?: Discourse, Identity, and Queer Activism in St. Petersburg, Russia

In light of the ban on the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” in Russia, this thesis explores the queer activist movements in St-Petersburg. In its wake, emerging and new modes of activism have developed and the individuals participating in these campaigns present different ways of being active/activists in means both public and private, street and academic, local and global. This thesis examines two prominent spheres of activism, academic and street-based, and their shifting practices in light of the ban. Additionally, I examine the effects of the ban on queer subject and identity making through a discussion of the various discourses (nationalist, moral, medical, global) that are present in their everyday lives. This focus demonstrates that despite the official bodies (state and church) attempting to delegitimize queer desires and subjects, queer activists are able to carve out spaces for themselves and continue to fashion a queer world of their own.