Leaving the herd: The lingering threat of difference for same-sex desires in postcommunist Russia

This article reports on a study that explored how living during the transition from a Soviet system to a postcommunist society affected gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people in Russia. A grounded theory method was used to analyze the interviews of 10 Russian GLBT individuals. The core category, leaving the herd - the lingering threat of difference in postcommunist Russia, reflected how dangerous perceived difference of any kind remains for those living in a country where, traditionally, standing out has had consequences ranging from social ostracization to prison sentences. Results also addressed the advantages and disadvantages of invisibility for GLBT Russians, the effects of globalization on the GLBT community in Russia, and uncertainty about the future. Clinical and research implications of the study are discussed.