Queer Nation (2013)

Sep 24

In June 2013, Russian president Vladimir Putin’s government passed an anti-gay law that banned the “promotion” of nontraditional sexual relations. Facing bigotry, arrests and violence, LGBTQ+ Russians suffered under the repressive legislation.

In response, original members of Queer Nation met to raise awareness of the plight of LGBTQ Russians. The veteran Queer Nationals were also concerned for the safety of LGBTQ+ Russians, visitors, and athletes in the lead up to the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

Results
Alan, along with other members of the group, helped to transform what had been a little-known injustice into a global concern by securing national and international media coverage.

In 2016, following the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Alan worked with LGBTQ+ grassroots and gun safety organizations to organize vigils and protests and provide media outreach as a campaign spokesperson.