In the wake of the Olympics in Sochi this year, Russia and the problem of homophobia have recently been a much-discussed topic. In direct discussion, we now would like to know more about the everyday life of lesbians and gays in Russia. We have therefore invited two of the organisers of “bok o bok” (“Side by Side”), the LGBT International Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Gulya Sultanova and Manny de Guerre. Last year Russia not only charged the festival itself with “foreign espionage”, but also Gulya Sultanova, but they have both been acquitted.

Gulya Sultanova studied German language and literature in St. Petersburg and has worked as a translator and organiser of student exchanges between Russia and Germany. She is a campaigner for the rights of lesbians and gays, takes part in demonstrations, and organises educational seminars and culture events. Since 2008 she has supported the first Russian lesbian and gay film festival “bok o bok” (www.bok-o-bok.ru).

Manny de Guerre is founder and organiser of “bok o bok”. She is artistic director of the festival, develops projects and is responsible for fundraising for the creation of a national and international network. She has conducted extensive research on the meaning of art and culture in Russia, in particular their social, political and psychological effects.