Although homophobia exists in nearly all societies, Russia has recently gained notoriety for its intolerance of homosexual behavior. In a world that is becoming increasingly welcoming and tolerant of homosexuality, Russia appears to be taking a step back when it comes to LGBTQ rights, which exist in a strictly conservative macrosystem. Many Russians hold a constructionist view of homosexuality, meaning that external forces are responsible for influencing “nontraditional” behaviors, rather than the contemporary essentialist view that homosexuality is an innate trait (Welch, 146). Understandably, Russia's tumultuous political past must contribute strongly to today's attitudes towards homosexuality and other sexual orientations. Under the tsars, homosexuality was a crime punishable by imprisonment or death, after Lenin came to power after the October Revolution, homosexuality was decriminalized and homosexuals were allowed to hold office in the newly formed Soviet Union. However, when Stalin enacted the anti-gay laws, homosexuals were seen as a “danger to the state” and sent to prison and forgotten. After glasnost, Yeltsin, under pressure from the Council of Europe, legalized homosexuality in 1993. But under Putin, homosexuals have been criticized due to a series of anti-gay propaganda laws and an increasingly homophobic; this is due to the increased influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, the effect the media has on the hegemony-controlled population, and the use of homosexuality as a scapegoat for Russia's problems. While the use of religion as a weapon against LGBTQ is not uncommon, it is one of the main reasons for current hostile attitudes towards homosexuals. During communism......middle of paper......a, and also the influence of the population through hegemony against a common enemy keep homophobic feelings alive. By making the world aware of this issue, the Russian LGBTQ community is already making progress in the fight against oppression. Works Cited “Russia in the 21st Century: A Culture War Caused by Traditional Revanchism.” (2011) by Valery Sozayev, published in The Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in the Russian Federation (2012). “The Role of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia's Anti-Gay Laws” (2013) by Jamie Manson, published by National Catholic Reporter. “Russian anti-gay law sparks rise in homophobic violence” (2013) by Alec Luhn, published by The Guardian UK. “Homophobia Spreads in Russian Media” (2014) by Stephen Ennis, published by BBC News World Europe. “From Russia, Without Love” (2013) by Sheila Kennedy