A Russian poetry contest has found itself at the center of a storm after deciding to exclude entries from transgender individuals. The rules for the Andrei Dementyev All-Russian Poetry Prize, now circulating online, make it clear that while poets of any background are welcome to submit, those who have transitioned gender will not be considered, according to Reuters.
Named in honor of the esteemed Russian poet Andrey Dementyev, the competition is overseen by the regional government of Tver, situated northwest of Moscow. Previous editions of the contest did not explicitly bar transgender participants, as noted by Russian news outlet Mediazona.
However, recent reports reveal a new question on the competition application, inquiring about the gender history of applicants, sparking concerns within the LGBTQ+ community.
The rationale behind this exclusion is purportedly to uphold traditional Russian societal and religious values surrounding marriage, family, and parenthood. Nef Cellarius, program coordinator for the Russian LGBTQ+ rights group Vykhod (“Coming Out”), suggests that this rule change may be an attempt to align with the anti-LGBTQ+ stance of the Russian government.
Learn more about debunking LGBTQIA myths: You won’t believe the shocking truth behind these misconceptions!
Russia’s LGBTQ+ community has faced escalating hostility in recent years, with legislation passed in 2013 banning “gay propaganda” in the presence of minors. Subsequent measures have further curtailed LGBTQ+ rights, including the Supreme Court’s designation of the international LGBTQ+ movement as a threat to public order.
Ongoing crackdowns on LGBTQ+ establishments and arrests under anti-LGBTQ+ laws underscore the challenges confronting the community in Russia. Last month, the directors of an LGBTQ+ club became the first individuals charged under the ministry’s declaration, following a police raid on the venue during a drag show, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.