Watch Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda

Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda is a documentary film from 2014 that addresses the rapidly growing anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Russia. The documentary is directed by Michael Lucas, a gay adult film director, who, in addition to his work in the adult film industry, is also an activist. The film highlights the 2013 law passed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which bans the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships" to minors. The law has effectively silenced the LGBTQ community and created a hostile environment for LGBTQ people in Russia. The documentary features interviews with Russian politicians, religious leaders, and members of the LGBTQ community that provide insight into how the law has impacted their lives.

The documentary opens with a scene of a protest in Moscow, where two men are kidnapped and brutally beaten by a group of anti-LGBTQ activists. The film then delves into the history of LGBTQ rights in Russia, highlighting the fact that homosexuality was a criminal offense until 1993. The documentary also explores the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and its influence on politics, particularly its opposition to LGBT rights.

The film features interviews with a variety of Russian politicians, including Milonov Vitaly, who is one of the main architects of the anti-gay law. He talks about how homosexuality is a "sin" and how the law is necessary to protect minors. Other politicians express similar views and argue that the law is necessary to protect the "traditional family."

The film then shifts its focus to the impact of the law on the LGBTQ community. Many members of the community share their experiences of violence, discrimination, and harassment. One interviewee talks about how he was beaten and left for dead by a group of anti-LGBTQ activists. Another interviewee, a young lesbian woman, shares her fear of being outed to her family and being forced to undergo conversion therapy.

The documentary then explores the role of international organizations in addressing the situation in Russia. The film highlights the work of the Russian LGBT Network, an organization that provides support and advocacy for the LGBTQ community in Russia. The documentary also shows the impact of international pressure on Russia, including the boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Throughout the film, Michael Lucas serves as a guide, providing context and commentary on the situation in Russia. As a gay man who was born in Russia and emigrated to the United States, Lucas is uniquely positioned to provide insight into the issue. His perspective is balanced, but he doesn't shy away from expressing his anger and frustration at the situation in his home country.

In conclusion, Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that shines a light on the growing hostility towards the LGBTQ community in Russia. The film raises important questions about the role of international organizations in addressing human rights abuses and the importance of standing up for marginalized communities. It's a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in LGBTQ rights and human rights more generally.

Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.