'We just want people to know that the LGBT community is there,' said Nikita, a member of the 'patrol.' 'Because underage kids can be tempted to go there. In another attack, a group of 50 men strong-armed their way onto the property and went into the attic, where, Lishchinsky said, they destroyed the roof and stole property before engaging in a shoot-out.Ī 'morality patrol' van monitors the club, videotaping patrons as they come and go, which, Lishchinsky argued, is another form of harassment. 'If people stay in the premises during all the time, they have headache and they have to throw up,' he said.Ī chemical report provided by the club showed hydrogen sulfide, a potentially deadly gas, was found in the dance room in amounts 75 times higher than acceptable Russian government safety norms. There have been more than eight gas attacks, he said, forcing hundreds of club-goers to evacuate. Throughout November and December, Lishchinsky said, the internal ventilation system was rigged to attack patrons with water and, in some cases, toxic gas. 'For many of us, it's just like our home it's our family,' said Alexei.

And yet, despite the dangers, the drag queens return each night. 'Our police, unfortunately, don't help you because they hate gay society,' said Lishchinsky. 'Twenty-first century Moscow,' Krasovsky said, in disbelief. We hate gays',' said Lishchinsky, describing the attackers. In November, he said, two armed men tried to break into the club and left bullet holes through the front door. Lishchinsky, the club manager, said the signs have led to a new spike in gay muggings and bashings outside the club. If you want to beat them up, you're welcome to.' 'The sign means exactly: gay people, the people of the second class, are here in this building. 'Look up at the banner,' said Anton Krasovsky, a longtime patron of the club. 'That means that the other 10 percent, it's whatever, maybe one tiny part is against this legislation, so it's not a problem. Petersburg lawmaker who helped craft the law. 'More than 90 percent of people support this law,' said Vitaly Milonov, a St. It claims to protect children from information about homosexuality, but human rights activists say it's really a crackdown on gay rights, a form of institutionalized homophobia meant to suppress gay-rights activists from holding public events and gay people from living their lives openly. The law, signed by President Putin last June, bans the 'propaganda of non-traditional relationships' to minors, and has received international condemnation. They say it's all part of an intensifying anti-gay sentiment in Russia, a country that's never been widely accepting of homosexuality, but recently has been inflamed by a controversial anti-gay propaganda law. But the staff says a recent spate of homophobic attacks has terrified the gay community there. Considered by many patrons as 'the cultural center' for gays in Russia, the lively venue is known for its colorful, irreverent drag shows and modern house music.

With its bullet-sprayed doors and protective razor-wire fencing, Central Station management says it has been subjected to shootings, water and gas attacks, and vandalism. 12, 2014— - As Russia enjoys the spotlight that shines from the multibillion-dollar splendor of the Sochi Winter Olympics, over in Moscow, dismay runs through Central Station, Russia's largest gay nightclub.

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