When Russian president Vladimir Putin signed the 'Gay Propoganda' law in 2013, he also signed away the freedom of an entire community. So what happens when you can't act yourself in public? You go underground.
is much more than just a hedonistic escape. "Creating the safe spaces where Queer individuals can feel free and express themselves through dancing, sexual interactions and connections with like-minded people is essential," commented Nikita.
It's as much a platform for Queer artists to present their music, art and performances as it is a sanctuary revolutionising raving in Russia, offering their ecclectic regulars shelter from the opressions they face as LGBTQIA+ people every day. Most importantly, it shines a spotlight on a community the media refuse to elevate. "This law got LGBTQIA+ nightlife even deeper underground. For some period of time, it wasn't safe to organise and participate in such parties.
Since its birth, the homphobic climate in Russia has started to shift. "There's been lots of visible changes, and I can say that Popoff Kitchen pushed a few of them. The homophobic mood that was so obvious after the issuing of the 'Gay Propaganda Law' in 2013 is starting to disappear," added Nikita. "16-year-olds to 20-year-old kids are much braver, freer and more tolerant. But we are still at the beginning of our path.
On the second day of the first ever Russian digital pride, LOVE spoke to Nikita Egorov-Kirillov on homophobia in Russia, the changing nightlife, and how lockdown has affected the Queer community at large.For those who don’t know, could you describe Popoff Kitchen.
From the very beginning we decided to create a kind of 'new world' filled with humour and codes that some people got, while others did not. For example, we promoted Popoff Kitchen parties as cooking master classes, dinners, brunches etc – DJs became chefs and helped Popoff Kitchen to be both public and secret at the same time. We gathered guests who were familiar with Berghain, Cocktail d'Amore, Pornceptual etc., but didn't used to go out in Moscow.
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