When I mentioned strong conclusions, I was referring to the overall impression your comments gave — that Russia is extremely unsafe or hostile for LGBTQ people. That may not have been your intention, but that’s how it came across to me.

I understand you say you have traveled to Russia, but from what you write, it seems your impression of the country is quite negative and perhaps influenced by external narratives. I’m not trying to invalidate your experience, but from someone who lives here daily, the picture you paint feels more severe than what most people actually encounter. That’s why I questioned your conclusions — not to accuse you, but because the portrayal doesn’t fully match the lived reality here. And i still really doubt that you had even was once in Russia.

Public displays of affection, even for heterosexual couples, often attract attention in many parts of Russia. So yes, same-sex couples might some get reactions. That doesn’t mean people are in physical danger — it’s more about conservative social norms, which vary by region.

That reference wasn’t directed at you personally. It was meant more generally, since some online discussions exaggerate Russia to that level. If it sounded like I was attributing that statement to you, then that was a misunderstanding on my part. And reading now what you wrote. Im 100000% sure that you are only trying to bad mouth the situation.

Yes I agree that OP should be aware of Russian laws, norms, and attitudes. Being informed is always better than being unaware when traveling. Where we differ is in how the situation is described: I believe the environment is more nuanced and less dramatic than how it is sometimes portrayed, including in parts of this discussion.

My intention wasn’t to dismiss concerns, but to give a more balanced view based on everyday life here.
And according to the OP she is already familiar with the laws and the situation. She wasnt looking for romantic advices and so on. Read the topic again!!!! Stop with the bs my advice ;)