*that L... issue

Gross misunderstanding. No one actually cares for those LGBTQ issue here in Russia. What's being done to them? I have a colleague at my Uni like that. And what? He is working like all of us at the Uni teaching students. No one cares that he is gay. All this fuss in the West was about Putin's law forbidding LGBTQ propaganda among children. Frankly speaking, do you think that this propaganda is of vital importance for children? Do you practice it? LGBTQ marriages with parent # 1 and 2 are also out of the question here. Nothing more. If you come to Russia, no one would be interested what your orientation is. And I don't think that you'll indulge in the propaganda among our children or planning to arrange a LGBTQ marriage here. Don't be funny!

I know more about Russia's past than I do about what Russia is like today. I think the main thing I'm aware of is the upcoming Olympic games in Sochi. I have also hear about the regressive policies of your government against the LGBTQ community. This bothers me mostly because I identify as part of the US LGBTQ community and I think love is love. It took me a long, long time to come out because I was worried about what other people would think and I think it must be extremely difficult to be LGBTQ in Russia. I think Russians are probably a little depressed much like those of us in the north part of north america because we don't get enough sunlight! :) Other than that I don't think I have an opinion about Russian people. Sure, there are stereotypes, but I try to remember that those are just that - stereotypes. Maybe a little truthful but probably greatly exaggerated. I've never been to Russia and I'd kind of like to see Moscow someday and I hear that the south of Russia is really beautiful too - down around St. Petersburg. I'm afraid to go right now because of the LGBTQ issue I mentioned, but I hope some day I can travel there without fears. PS. Your english is really pretty good! How long have you been learning?