Name: Club Pre-Party - free entry to nearby clubs
Start: 2024-04-27
End: 2024-04-27
Location: VODA Spa & Sauna

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-58350" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67881/Scarlet-glow-over-Moscow-TravelGayEurope.jpg" alt="scarlet-glow-over-moscow-travelgayeurope" width="100%" /><h2>Moscow | Mосква</h2>Moscow (Москва) is the capital (both political and financial) of the Russian Federation and a major city of global importance.The huge city is packed with majestic buildings that document this country's historical past and present and is home to over 13 million people.Visitor highlights include Red Square, The Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, Christ the Saviour Cathedral and Gorky Park. Moscow is also home to countless museums and art galleries with world-class collections.There are numerous attractions including world-class circuses, operas and excellent (straight) bathhouses where you can experience a traditional Russian hot steam and good birch branch whipping.<h5><img class="alignnone wp-image-64894 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67882/Moscow-Kremlim-e1517123579666.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> Moskva River &amp; Grand Kremlin Palace</h5>&nbsp;<h2>Gay Rights and the Situation in Russia</h2>The UK Foreign Office reports that "Homosexuality is legal in Russia, but there is still intolerance among some sections of the population. Be careful about public displays of affection. In June 2013 a law banning the promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ entered into force, but the definition and scope of prohibited activity is vague. Foreign nationals convicted under this law could face arrest and detention, fines and deportation. There have been reports that instances of harassment, threats and acts of violence towards the LGBT community have increased following the introduction of the law." <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/local-laws-and-customs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">(read more here)</a>The US State Department reports that "Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Harassment, threats, and acts of violence targeting LGBT individuals have occurred." (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/russia.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">read more here</a>)The best advice is for gay travelers to act and dress conservatively at all times. For safety, gay couples should not bring attention to their relationship in public, for example, by holding hands, even in tourist areas, hotels or restaurants.Be aware that hooking up with guys via dating apps has risks. There have been cases of homophobic people using these apps to lure gay men to meetings at which they are attacked and robbed.  Police are unlikely to offer any assistance.Having said this, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/safety-and-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most tourist visits are trouble-free</a>, and Moscow has a relatively low crime rate. Like all other big cities, it is best to avoid darker, off-the-beaten-track streets or alleys.<h5><img class="alignnone wp-image-64877 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67884/Moscow-St-Basil-Cathedral-e1518340862341.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> Spasskaya Tower, St. Basil Cathedral - Red Square</h5><h2></h2><h2>Gay Scene</h2>Understandably, Russia's gay scene is low profile and rather discreet. Gay public displays of affection is not very common, but this cosmopolitan Russian capital city may be gayer than you might think.Although Moscow doesn't have a dedicated 'Gay District', the city's gay nightlife has become more visible in recent years. Many bars and restaurants host gay nights. <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/moscow-gay-bars/">'Gay-popular' bars</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/moscow-gay-saunas/">dance clubs</a> can be found all around the Kremlin - <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/central-station-moscow/">Central Station MSK</a> being the most notable one. There are several <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/moscow-gay-saunas/">Saunas</a> for men with themed parties, drag shows, etc.In 2006, Moscow launched its first LGBT Pride. This annual event has been regularly banned since then, but the local LGBT community continue their flight for equal rights.&nbsp;<h2>Getting to Moscow</h2>By planeThere are 4 primary commercial airports in Moscow: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) and Ostafyevo International Airport (OSF)The Sheremetyevo airport is the most common entry point for foreign visitors. It is also the main hub for Aeroflot. The Aeroexpress takes you into the city centre for RUB420 every 20-30 minutes with a journey time of 30-40 minutes (this service runs at the same cost from Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports). Bus links to metro stations allow you to connect to the greater Moscow public transport network.Other several smaller airports near Moscow, such as Myachkovo Airport, are used for private aircraft, helicopters and charters.By trainFrom Saint Petersburg - With the launch of high-speed Sapsan trains Saint Petersburg is now just four hours away. There are seven departures daily with some trains stopping at other cities. Fares vary but usually around RUB3,000. Overnight trains are also very popular. The most famous is the Red Arrow (Красная стрела), departing Saint Petersburg daily at 11:55pm.From Europe - The newly-launched TransEuropeanExpress goes across Europe, making the run Paris-Moscow up to four times a week via Frankfurt, Berlin and Warsaw amongst other cities. The train has a luxury carriage, apart from the normal first and second class and national railways provide restaurant cars. Travel from Paris takes 38 hours. Several other European cities have direct carriages to Moscow including; Basel (38 hours), Bratislava (42 h), Budapest (37 hours), Nice (49 hours) Prague (34 hours) and Vienna (34 hours).From Eastern Russia and Asia - The most common route is between Moscow and China. There are two weekly trains from Beijing: the Trans-Mongolian via Ulaanbaatar and Vostok via Manchuria. Both options take six nights, but the one via Mongolia is more scenic.<h5><img class="size-full wp-image-64893" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67885/Moscow-Business-Center.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> Skyscrapers in Moscow International Business Center</h5>&nbsp;<h2>Getting around Moscow</h2>By metroCentral Moscow is best explored on foot, but because of the long distances, it's easiest to use the famous Metro system which is comprehensive, has some great architecture and is relatively cheap. Singles start at RUB55 but it is advisable to get a prepaid smart card to save on costs (this applies on all public transport).By busEvery large street in the city is served by at least one bus route. Most Moscow buses and trolleybuses operate from 5:30am to 1am, although night routes have been introduced recently. Most buses are not on schedule, and the average waiting time can be from 5 minutes to 40 minutes in the evenings.By taxiThe taxi service in Moscow has changed dramatically. New technology and service platforms displaced many private drivers. Now you can get a taxi using your smartphone, tablet or computer in 5-15 minutes. It is cheaper and safer now than before. Commercial taxi services are also available.&nbsp;<h2>Visa</h2>Most visitors will require a visa to enter Russia. You can find a <a href="https://wikitravel.org/en/Russia#Get_in" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">useful list of visa-exempted countries here</a>. Getting a visa is quite a complex process. It is best to plan your visit including hotel stays well in advance.After booking your hotel (through any online system), you will need to contact the hotel to obtain an official invitation for your period of stay. You will need to repeat this for every hotel you book, so you have official invitations to cover your entire period of stay. Once you have received your invitations, then apply via a visa service company or <a href="https://visa.kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1">do it online here</a>.Whilst in Russia, you must carry your passport at all times, not a copy. There is a good chance that any tourist might be stopped by a police officer. If you are unable to produce your passport when requested, then you will incur a fine. It is equally important to keep a copy of your documents in your hotel in case you lose your originals.It is also a very good idea to keep the contact number for the Moscow Embassy of your country stored in your phone.&nbsp;<h2>Where to Stay in Moscow</h2>Some of the best and most popular hotels in Moscow are located within its central districts. Tverskoy is great for sightseeing, the theatres and gay nightlife.The latest hotel deals in Moscow are listed on the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-moscow-hotels/">Gay Moscow Hotels page</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2>Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) - the heart of Moscow and the city’s most famous tourist spot.The Kremlin (Moskovsky Kreml) - a huge site with The Diamond collection in the Armoury and several amazing churches.Tverskaya Street - Moscow's most fashionable street, with several prestigious boutiques, restaurants and cafés.St. Basil's Cathedral - located to the south of Red Square, this cathedral (1555-61) is beautiful inside and out.Tretyakov Gallery - one of the world's greatest museums.Kolomenskoye Park - popular weekend destination for locals, containing a large collection of churches and buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.State Museum-Reserve Tsaritsyno - a beautiful reserve in the southern part of Moscow, with the largest palatial ensemble in Russia.Bolshoi Theatre - world-famous theatre with regular shows.Novodevichy Convent - built in the early 1500’s and has remained nearly intact for centuries, this is one of Moscow’s best-preserved historical complexes.&nbsp;<h2>Drugs</h2>Don't get involved with drugs in any way. Russia has some of the harshest penalties in the world.

Gay Moscow · City Guide

Planning a trip to Moscow? Then our gay Moscow city guide page is for you.

Single homosexuals are allowed to adopt, but banned for transgender people. 

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Adoption is being regulated by the Civil Procedure Code of Russia (Chapter 29); Family Code of Russia (Chapter 19); Federal Law On Acts of Civil Status (Chapter V). None of these documents contain any direct restriction or ban for homosexual people to adopt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Wednesday banning the adoption of children by same-sex couples, as part of an increasingly conservative agenda the Kremlin is pursuing since his return to power.

The age of consent in Russia is 16 for same-sex couples. However, in Chechnya, the age of consent is N/A because it is illegal there.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

In 2008, Russia repealed its ban against gay people donating blood. The law was signed in effect on April 16, 2008 by Tatyana Golikova, the minister of Russia's Health and Social Development department

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

On September 14, 2001, the Russian Ministry of Health announced that men who have sex with men would be considered part of the "HIV high-risk groups," along with prostitutes and drug addicts.

“Russia's parliament approved on Thursday a bill that widens a prohibition of "LGBT propaganda" and restricts the "demonstration" of LGBT behaviour, making any expression of an LGBT lifestyle almost impossible.” 
 
“Under the new law, which still needs the approval of the upper house of parliament and President Vladimir Putin, any action or information that is considered an attempt to promote homosexuality - whether in public, online, or in films, books or advertising - could incur a heavy fine.” 
 
After recognizing the LGBT movement as extremist in Russia, the government put more pressure on activists than on the private lives of LGBT people themselves. This has completely limited the freedom of expression for LGBT people. After recognizing LGBT as extremist, the demonstration of the LGBT flag became prohibited and because of this, you can get a fine of up to 2000 rubles or arrest for up to 15 days, and if you repeat the demonstration, criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for up to 4 years. However, imprisonment is applied only in case of demonstration of LGBT symbols, for everything else people are punished with fines.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

In 2013, Russia introduced a law known as "for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values" (known worldwide as the "gay propaganda law") which prohibits the promotion of homosexual topics. According to the Russian government, this law is aimed to "protect" children from being exposed to homosexuality, since it goes against "traditional family values." Foreigners who break this law can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days (or fined up to 5,000 rubles) and then deported.

The upper house of Russia’s parliament unanimously approved a bill outlawing gender-affirming care and legal gender change. It also annuls marriages in which one person has “changed gender” and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

A bill to make gender change illegal was proposed, and it will probably pass.

Under the 2018 revision by the Ministry of Health, a medical commision can issue a certificate of gender change without the need for surgery or hormone replacement therapy.

Transgender people are able to change their gender on identification documents after being issued a document from a health institution confirming the surgical requirements.

after the sex reassignment surgery that took place in September 17, 1970, a transgender man changed his legal gender and name. 
Six months after change legal gender, he became a husband.

Not condemned. As well, the attitude that homosexuality is a disease is widespread.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Article 3 of the Labour Code prohibits employment discrimination but does not explicitly mention sexual 
orientation or gender identity. Several prominent people including a TV news anchor have been fired for coming out, although some people have successfully challenged discriminatory dismissal.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Homosexuality became legal in Russia in 1993. Now at the moment, homosexuality is legal except 1 region-Chechnya. 
 
On November 30, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized the LGBT movement as extremist and banned it. However, according to the court's decision, this does not concern the private life of LGBT people, but more concerns LGBT activists, it is also prohibited to use LGBT symbols and demonstrate them. It is not forbidden to make a coming out. This is accurate information, as the data has been studied in ILGA and this statement by LGBT human rights organizations and lawyers.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

LGBT people have no protection from discrimination.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

The federal laws of Russia do not allow for same-sex unions of any kind, and the Russian constitution has defined marriage as a union strictly between a man and woman since 2020.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Open homosexuals still serve in the military.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Russia

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Firebird tells an unlikely love story. Two soldiers on a Soviet base in Estonia have an intense and dangerous affair. Tom Prior plays Sergey. He also co-wrote the script. We caught up with him to discuss the film, mindfulness, gay travel and more.

Gay movie Firebird, actor Tom Prior

Tom Prior on gay travel, mindfulness & Firebird

ABC Foreign Correspondent James Longman tells Travel Gay about his life on the road, how he came out to the homophobic head of police in Chechnya and how Damascus in Syria is his favorite place on earth. 

James Longman

ABC News' James Longman on traveling the world as a gay TV correspondent

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Moscow

The gay scene in Moscow still thrives behind closed doors despite the challenges experienced by the LGBT community.

Club Pre-Party -  free entry to nearby clubs

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VODA Spa & Sauna

XL Show Night - show at 10pm

XL Spa Moscow gay sauna main

XL Spa

Aqua Show

Perhaps the most popular gay sauna in Moscow. VODA features dry sauna, steam room, pool, dark room, massage service and café bar. Modern atmosphere. 
 
Located in the same building as <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/central-station-moscow/">Central Station MSK</a>. Open from 5pm.

The most popular gay sauna in Moscow. 

The biggest gay nightclub in Moscow, from the same management of Central Station MSK and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/voda-spa/">VODA Spa</a>. Popular with young guys. 
 
The 800-capacity venue has 2 floors, 3 bars, high-tech light &amp; sound system, huge plasma screen, karaoke, dark room. BoyZ Club hosts drag shows, go-go dancers, concerts, artists, live music, DJ's.

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BoyZ Club

The biggest gay nightclub in Moscow.

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The gay scene in Moscow still thrives behind closed doors despite the challenges experienced by the LGBT community.

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