Gay Moscow: Bars and Clubs in This Center of the Gay Russian Subculture

When we Americans think of Moscow, we picture snowy days at the Kremlin and the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. We taste cabbage soup and vodka. We remember the Cold War, the KGB, and our fear of communism. We do not, however, think of gay Moscow nightlife. But since Russian society has gradually warmed to gay citizens, Moscow has emerged as the center of the gay Russian subculture. Even during Soviet times, Moscow’s large size made it the natural home for underground gay nightlife, with certain bars and clubs serving as unofficial gay Moscow hotspots. Now that bars and clubs can more publicly cater to gays without fear of reprisal, gay Moscow is getting louder and prouder by the day. While homophobia is still present in Russian society (and practically everywhere else), gay Moscow life is far more comfortable and accepted than ever. In fact, 2006 marks Moscow’s first large-scale gay pride festival.

Here are some of the most popular gay bars and clubs in this city of 10 million:

Bar 911
Glinechtchevski 3
Descend into this club from the red awning and emerge into a bar full of rescue-themed décor, including an emergency helicopter. Though it began as a one-night gay hangout, 911 has become an everynight gay club. This combination restaurant, video bar, and dance club is popular with gay Moscow professionals and tourists. 911 is also one of the bars that gay Russian soldiers frequent when trying to make extra money, so don’t freak out if you see guys in army gear. They’re just hoping you’re generous and interested in hiring them to be your escort.

12 Volt Club
Tverskaya 12
www.12voltclub.ru (site is in Russian, but you can see pictures)
Though a relative newcomer to the Moscow gay scene, 12 Volt caught on fast and bolted to the forefront. Known for its diverse crowd, friendly to gays, lesbians, and heteros alike, it servers up food, stiff drinks, and a solid mix of poppy dance music.