Crimean Woman Penalized for Posting Satirical Photos Challenging Gender Norms

A court in occupied Crimea has imposed a fine of 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,280) on a woman for allegedly disseminating «LGBT propaganda» after she shared humorous images on social media that challenge traditional gender roles in heterosexual relationships, as reported by the exiled news outlet Vyorstka on Wednesday.

Court documents reveal that Irina Khokhlatkina was determined to have posted images on her VKontakte profile featuring men in bridal gowns accompanied by captions like: “Why should I ask you out?” “I’ve been waiting for you to make the first move,” “Let’s share the bill,” and “Prove to me that you need me.”

These captions seem to mock conventional gender expectations by depicting men who express such sentiments as being “feminine.”

Khokhlatkina defended her actions in court, stating that the images, originally shared from a public VKontakte group, were intended to “enhance the psychological dynamics between men and women.”

Nonetheless, investigators charged her with promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships,” provoking “gender reassignment,” and undermining the institution of parenthood.

In April, the Kerch City Court convicted Khokhlatkina of spreading “LGBT propaganda,” and an appeals court upheld this decision in May.

The appeals judge concurred with the initial ruling, observing that the images “depict men in a manner that diverges from the culturally accepted portrayal of heterosexual masculinity in Russia.”

For years, Russia has faced international criticism regarding its LGBTQ+ rights situation, highlighted by a 2013 law prohibiting “gay propaganda among minors,” and a prohibition on adoption by same-sex couples from foreign nations.

According to Vyorstka, over 130 cases related to “LGBT propaganda” were processed by Russian courts in 2024, resulting in more than 70 individuals and 20 organizations being found guilty.