Perhaps the topic area where Russia is most different from its European counterparts is gay rights.  While homosexuality was removed from the official list of mental illnesses in 1999, there is currently no legal recognition of gay marriage and public support stood at just 14% for such legislation as of 2005.  In an odd split of opinion, 43% of Russians support re-criminalizing homosexual acts while 43% of Russians support a legal ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.  Hate crimes are less common but still do occur, though they are more rare in larger cities.  In short, this is a tough place to be gay, though Russian gays are pretty darn tough, too.  A sizable gay scene does exist in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, though what happens inside stays inside.  No cameras or recording equipment are allowed for fear of blackmailing clients.  This is taken very seriously.
 
A short time ago this writer may have suggested that Pushkinskaya Square - with its two gay bars nearby - was emerging as Moscow’s gayborhood.  Sadly, 12 Volts - Moscow’s first gay bar - is no more, and in October 2009 there was a major crackdown at Body & Soul.  The club is housed in the same building as the blind institute.  The blind Duma member responsible for that district has been put in a difficult position as his challenger is using the existence of the gay club as an example of his “poor morals,” so that just super.  Nevertheless,  “the scene” and “the hood” is shrinking.  Still, there are some great options in different parts of Moscow at new clubs and old favorites.