Television
Anti-LGBTQ+ Russian Propagandist Launches I'm Not Gay Reality Show
Anti-LGBTQ+ Russian Propagandist Launches I'm Not Gay Reality Show
Plot twist: the show is very, very gay.
April 26 2022 1:51 PM EST
May 31 2023 3:13 PM EST
simbernardo
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Russian Propagandist Launches I'm Not Gay Reality Show
Plot twist: the show is very, very gay.
Russian media is upping the ante on its homophobia by creating an entire "no homo, bro" reality show where eight men attempt to prove that they're not gay...for some reason!
Vitaly Milonov, a politician who dedicates most of his time to promoting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Russia, is now co-hosting a YouTube reality series called Ia ne gei, which translates to I'm Not Gay.
According to Kevin Rothrock - a reporter who covers Russian media - this show is about eight grown men proving how straight they are. These straight men will be eliminated week after week until the hidden gay man in the cast is found.
\u201cVitaly Milonov, the State Duma deputy who spearheaded Russia\u2019s ban on \u201cgay propaganda,\u201d is cohosting a YouTube show called \u201cI\u2019m not gay,\u201d where 8 contestants\u2019 heterosexuality is tested & there are elimination rounds to find the one gay guy. \ud83e\udd2e https://t.co/OgQj51W4Dw\u201d— Kevin Rothrock (@Kevin Rothrock) 1650982559
The existence and civil rights of LGBTQ+ people have been historically challenging in Russia. Of note, same-sex marriage is illegal, Pride parades are basically banned, and trans people are in constant danger. According to a poll reported by The Moscow Times in 2018, four out of five Russians find gay sex "reprehensible."
It is also common for Russian TV shows to feature LGBTQ+ individuals being ridiculed, humiliated, or subjected to verbal or physical violence. In the specific case of I'm Not Gay, the contestants will be subjected to several challenges where they'll have to either resist their urges to find men attractive and/or prove how attracted they are to women. Coming from someone like Milonov, this is yet another attempt of his to push anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda and make a mockery of anyone who isn't a cisgender heterosexual person.
As pointed out by Juan Barquin in a tweet, the opening credits for I'm Not Gay are one of the gayest things you'll ever see.
\u201cforcing myself to stop watching the russian \u201ci\u2019m not gay\u201d show but these opening credits have SENT ME\u201d— the morally corrupt juan barquin (@the morally corrupt juan barquin) 1650984759
The first episode of I'm Not Gay is 52 minutes long and can be viewed below.
RELATED | Hackers Put Vladimir Putin in Drag for Meme, Posted on National TV
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.