Queer Orthodox History in Russian LGBTQ+ Activism

• In Event: Early Eastern European Queer: Sources, Interpretation, Visibility

Abstract

Focussing on the early modern period, this paper examines how queer histories of Orthodox Christianity are told in contemporary Russian LGBTQ+ activism. Looking mainly at online materials, I ask what narratives are prevalent about the historical interaction between Orthodoxy and LGBTQ+ and how such histories are framed in relation to the contemporary moment. I consider what activist accounts have in common with major academic studies, as well as where differences lie. By addressing the question as to what more “academic” historians might take from historical activism, I hope to open up a discussion about productive methodological approaches to studying the “early East European queer”, an important yet still neglected facet of queer history.

Author

• Nick Mayhew, U of Glasgow (UK)