Conclusion: The Olympic Industry and Putin’s Russia

Abstract

Russia’s attitudes and policies regarding sexual minorities have long-standing historical roots and are resistant to change. LGBT activists are developing strategies appropriate to the Russian context, not necessarily following western models or evaluating progress by western markers. On the issue of the anti-gay legislation, the compatibility between Putin’s Russia and the Olympic industry in relation to power helps to explain the IOC’s inaction, and the IOC’s and Putin’s immunity to international censure.