Queer in Russia

“[A] rich and well-written book. . . .” - Annick Prieur , American Journal of Sociology

“[A] well-written and fascinating account of what the author calls ‘queer subjectivities’ . . . among Russians in St. Petersburg and Moscow in the period from 1989 to 1994. . . . [A]n important book for scholars of sexuality, women, and culture in post-Soviet Russia.” - , Choice

“[E]ngaging and perceptive. . . . Essig has the unflinching eyes and ears of a seasoned reporter. . .” - , Publishers Weekly

“[P]ainstakingly argued. The author supports her argument with hands-on experience and a logical, point-by-point rebuttal of contentions she wishes to discredit. . . . Essig’s book is an informative account of the birth of Russian queer groups, newspapers, and clubs. . . . There is a likeable irony in Essig’s bold and admirable conclusion: that hers is an academic work with the honesty to acknowledge the shortcomings of academic writing.” - Paul Gould , Slavonic and East European Review

“Based on interviews, observations, and analysis of books, plays, and pop music, [Essig’s] study offers a richly readable and fascinating examination of the complicated issues of the post-perestroika queer landscape. Essig simultaneously explores and transgresses the boundaries between self and other, straight and queer, Russian and Western, researcher and subject, public and private, and first-person and third-person narratives, and more. Extensive notes, bibliographical references, an index, and photos contribute to this valuable title. . . .” - , Library Journal

“Essig provides a fascinating survey of the discourses around queer sexualities in Russia and addresses questions of interest to queer theorists and cultural historians as well.” - Kevin Moss , Slavic and East European Journal

“Essig’s work is valuable for the variety of information provided, especially in the parts which deal with the treatment of lesbians.” - Brian James Baer , Kritika

“Exploring the political framework needed for gay people to identify themselves, this book also provides a useful look at the questions of privacy and discretion.” - Sonja Franeta , Gay & Lesbian Review

“In Queer in Russia, Laurie Essig ponders the state of glbt culture in the former USSR. Although a vibrant gay life is found on a local level, Russians have not put together a mass movement. Few Russians involved in same-sex relations claim the titles ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian,’ although perestroika has allowed Russian queers some new freedoms.” - Lambda Book Report

"Queer in Russia raises interesting questions about identity and recognition." - Sandra Pollack , Lesbian Review of Books

“An entirely original investigation of the gay and lesbian scene in Russia and a book of enormous value, Queer in Russia will serve as a beachhead in the field of Russian queer studies. In one volume one finds a concise history of sexual transgression in the Russian context as well as the rise of queer Russian identity.” - Luc Beaudoin, University of Denver

“Laurie Essig’s book is significant both for Russianists and for queer theorists. Essig demonstrates that ‘queerness’ in Russia is not defined as a matter of identity politics, and, in so doing, she raises important theoretical questions about the nature(s) of queerness as it crosses cultural borders.” - Jehanne M Gheith, Duke University