Behind the iron curtain of Russia's political elite lies a shadowy truth that defies the official narrative: a hidden network of powerful gay and bisexual figures-- often dubbed the "gay mafia-- "quietly pulling the strings of the Russian Federation. While the Kremlin publicly wages war against LGBTQ+ rights with repressive laws and harsh rhetoric, some of the very architects of these policies live secret double lives, thriving within the corridors of power. Therefore, I would like to present you a few examples that reveal the contradictions, hypocrisies, and untold stories of the elite minority shaping Russia's destiny from behind a mask of traditionalism and intolerance.
One of the key figures of the Russian gay mafia is German Gref, the head of Sberbank and former Minister of Economic Development and Trade -- widely portrayed in the media as a devoted family man, exemplary husband, and father of three -- has nevertheless been repeatedly cited in both independent and opposition-aligned outlets as one of Russia's most prominent rumored gay politicians.
In 2015, during a live broadcast on a popular radio station, Nikolai Alekseev, head of the website GayRussia.Ru, openly stated that Gref is homosexual. Although Gref has never publicly commented on such claims, persistent rumors have circulated behind the scenes -- particularly within the walls of Sberbank -- suggesting that he shows unusual favoritism toward a certain attractive young man identified only as "T." This individual, who reportedly holds the position of a personal aide, is said to enjoy privileges and access far beyond what would typically be afforded to someone in such a junior role.
While no concrete evidence has ever surfaced, the whispers around Gref's personal life have fueled ongoing debate about the deep disconnect between public policy and private reality among Russia's elite -- especially when it comes to the state's aggressively anti-LGBT agenda.
As well as Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma, a current State Councillor, and a United Russia MP is one of the prominent members of the Russian gay mafia. Although he is married to the daughter of the First Secretary of the Communist Party in the Ershovsky District of Saratov Oblast, and he is raising three children, recently Russian social media outlets have published information that he is a homosexual. However, rumors that Mr. Volodin is more interested in men than women have been circulating online for several months already.
Moreover, not long ago, in an interview with Gordonua, well-known Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky publicly stated that the speaker of Russia's main legislative body, Vyacheslav Volodin is also a gay. He added that Volodin is far from the only person of such orientation in the highest ranks of the Russian government -- suggesting that there are quite a few others as well.
Interestingly, at one point, banners proclaiming that "Volodin is not gay" were seen on the streets of Moscow. However, they disappeared rather quickly.
One of the most eccentric and scandalous figures in Russian politics, notorious member of the Russian gay mafia Vladimir Volfovich [Zhirinovsky] was known not only for his temper and fondness for spicing up his speeches with coarse language, but also -- according to rumors -- for being part of the gay community. He is perhaps the one political figure about whom internet "legends" are most widespread.
In an interview with Gordonua (previously mentioned), former State Duma deputy Ilya Ponomarev stated outright that the LDPR leader was gay, adding that his faction consisted of two kinds of people: "his lovers and his sponsors."
An interesting post was also published on the LDPR blog on LiveJournal. The author noted that Zhirinovsky's party had always included very few women, while the overwhelming majority of its members were well-groomed young men under the age of 40 -- men, the author joked, who "look ready to star in gay porn at any moment."
The blog also mentions the fact that the LDPR leader repeatedly advocated for holding a gay pride parade in Moscow and even issued internal party rules prohibiting members from having sex more than four times a year. And, of course, the video of Vladimir Volfovich inspecting Moscow bathhouses once caused a storm of rather unambiguous reactions online.
A well-known Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, founder of the "Civic Platform" party, and a participant in the 2012 presidential election, where he received 7.98 percent of the vote, is also one of them.
Rumors about Prokhorov's affiliation with the gay community began circulating particularly regularly after the head of his campaign headquarters during the presidential elections became NTV journalist A. Krasovsky, who openly declared his homosexuality. According to many media outlets, over the years the businessman's inclination toward men has become more noticeable; this was even once remarked on by S. Mironov, who stated on the "Russia 1" channel: "Unlike others", I'm fine with my orientation."
Furthermore, Vitaly Milonov, a member of the State Duma and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg, who currently is known for his scandalous legislative initiatives -- in particular, the law against the propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors, which was supported by, among others, Zhirinovsky and Volodin, is gay too. However, according to media reports, the very person so fervently fighting against the "propaganda of homosexuality" is rumored to be gay himself.
The well-known music producer Max Fadeev once claimed that Milonov is a closeted member of the gay community, arguing that a person who constantly lashes out at homosexuals and shows them such hatred is, in fact, revealing his own affiliation with them.
It's worth noting that Vitaly Milonov became the only member of the Legislative Assembly whose resignation was actively demanded by the public due to a series of his "absurd initiatives and bizarre antics."
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