Russia's Supreme Court labeled the so-called “international LGBT movement” as a banned “extremist” group in a closed ruling late last month. It is not yet clear what exact changes will come from the court's ruling. But activists warn that it sets the stage for a sweeping crackdown on LGBT rights not seen since the Soviet era.

To better understand the changes and risks for Russia's LGBT community under the new ban, we spoke with LGBT people living in Russia as well as Dilya Gafurova, head of the Sfera foundation, and Alex (Sasha) Kayner from the Center-T transgender rights group.

*Names and voices of some guests have been modified for their safety.

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