Bryansk, russia gay sauna

A law in Russia banning "homosexual propaganda" has been condemned by critics, who say it incites hatred. But a day hunting and relaxing in the forest - and hearing some extreme views - suggests it has plenty of support. Saunas are supposed to be relaxing but the prospect of this one filled me with dread. I was to share it with two heavily armed Russian hunters - Yuri, a steely-eyed veteran of Russia's bloody war in Afghanistan, and Georgy, a burly businessmen who cut his teeth during the violent chaos that consumed Russia after the fall of communism.

Moscow, capital of Russia, was founded in and has a population of over 15 million inhabitants. Moscow is not only the business centre of Russia, but also home of the most flamboyant Russian gay venues, though the scene is not stable with venues changing frequently. As in the rest of the country, gays and lesbians are increasingly being targeted by so-called nationalists, so that saw sadly frequent reports of violent attacks on homosexuals. The law banning "gay propaganda" has served to drastically reinforce hostile attitudes to homosexuals and legitimize them in society.

I had finally arrived in Moscow. The last month or so on the Trans Siberian train had been the adventure of a lifetime. From Beijing, through Mongolia, into Siberia, then a detour through Kazakhstan, and now finally all the way across Russia, I was finally in Moscow. So apparently Russian bathhouses are all the rage.

The sauna culture in Russia came from Finland many years ago and is still appreciated as an important form of relaxation. The gay sauna scene in Russia is somewhat limited as gay life is generally hidden. The saunas are often difficult to find. There are a few saunas in St.