Queer public places in Russia already required so much self-denial to exist.

The interviews I saw before were full of folks walking on egg shells with their language and image.

Ukraine might not be perfect for queer rights, but it is definitely progressing. The destruction of public queer life in Russia could be or is yet another reason for those fighting the Russian army to continue.

Queer spaces can probably be regarded as a display for general authoritarian crackdowns on 'normal' and fringe life.