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An interactive documentary book · working title

Codex Image Sep 16, 2026, 11_34_35 PM.png

A documentary book exploring contemporary Russia through the personal stories of human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ activists from different generations. It draws on in-depth interviews with people who have worked in Russia or continue their work there today. The book is currently in development, in collaboration with the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+.

Personal Stories

The chapters center on participants’ own words, from activism in the 2000s to the struggle in exile today, with a focus on LGBTQ+ voices.

Interactive Format

Each chapter is planned to include links to participants’ personal archives — photographs, documents and videos — and information about events from public sources.

Readers

For readers in Russia and abroad, anyone interested in what is happening in Russia, as well as researchers, journalists and human rights defenders.

Planned Editions

The main format is an interactive online book. Print and e-book versions are planned as derivatives.

Team & Concept

The project is being developed jointly with the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+. At its heart are the personal stories of activists and human rights defenders who worked in Russia and later emigrated.

Concept

The book aims to preserve personal testimonies and tell the history of the human rights and LGBTQ+ movements through the experiences of those involved.

Collaboration

Black Sheep Alliance and the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ are working together to develop the book.

Work in Progress

The book is in development. The planned scope is 12–20 participants and approximately 250 pages. A release date has not yet been announced.

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