East/West: Sex & Politics

At one stage in this film, somebody jokes that in Russia, nobody cares if you're gay or lesbian or straight - the only thing that matters is oil and money. But belying this is the soon apparent truth that while some in the Russian gay community are willing to live quietly in the shadows of clubs and bars, the few prepared to organise a gay pride march through the streets of Moscow are condemned, arrested, punched and spat at.

Modern Russia, like modern China, is a country that has had to adapt quickly to changing global economics. But a strong economy and aggressive government don't disguise the fact that much of Russia seems to have been reluctantly dragged into the human-rights-for-all-yes-even-gays 21st century. This, along with an ambitious orthodox church, and blatant police disregard for law are just some of the difficulties faced by the marchers, led by organiser Nicolai Alekseev.

Through footage of the marches, and personal interviews with the people involved, this film sets about showing the already-free gay communities of Europe and the US just how much work is still required in parts of the world to achieve equal rights for all.