THE FACE OF RUSSIAN HOMOPHOBIA

There often seems to be one photograph that captures the essence of a major historical event. 

For example:

 

My vote for the photo that will forever say: Moscow 5/27, the true face of Russian Homophobia.

From Sunday's NEW YORK TIMES, Nikolai Alekseyev (left,) the leader of Russia's gay rights group right before his arrest and the arresting pig officer (center.)

Comments

[Ian Hutson]

Peaked caps and far too much braid on their uniforms - never trust any country which (still) has the goose-step or some peculiar variant in place for its armed forces.

Notice the peaceful baton raised to the centre of the picture...

Anyway, what the hell do they carry in those caps? Betamax video cameras???

Education is a slow and painful process. I mean, just look at me - all these years and I still can't tolerate religion, egocentric politicians (that's tautology, I know) and the use of the phrase "family values" as a weapon to hurt members of exactly those families...

Kudos and best wishes to the brave guys'n'gals standing up to those dull, grey, people. Thanks - again - to Peter Tatchell for his continued and especially brave campaigning, in this case by being there and marching.

[taarzaan]

That guy is scary enough to be pope

[Arzer]

With all due respect (and I mean that, your site is my homepage) may I suggest that you remove the "Pig" reference from the photo caption? I have no love of the police, and they rarely have my respect, but we are fighting a battle for acceptance. If an anti-gay website carried the same picture, but with the caption saying that a police officer faces a "fag", we would be outraged. Our community needs to lead by example. Thanks.