Dry
What do you do? I skateboard and want to learn to play the accordion.
When did you first become aware of your sexuality? Since my childhood I was sure that I Iiked girls; I haven’t changed my mind since then.
Are you hopeful about the future of gay rights in Russia? I hope that one day gay people will feel comfortable and safe like others and that people will accept their rights and they won’t feel apart from society. Unfortunately, today not everybody understands people whose sexual orientation is not traditional, but I can already see some positive changes around me. @_andreymatveev
Dry wears sweater Gucci. Collar stylist’s own.
Vladimir
What is the biggest gender stereotype we need to overcome and why? I often hear, ‘you should be able to, because you’re a man and you must know how to do it!’ Gender duty is deeply rooted in the consciousness of society.
What are the biggest challenges to being young and gay in Russia? The situation is paradoxical. The media imposes patriarchal and homophobic installations and conservative society plays into it. Gay people are seen as destroying the traditional belief in the eyes of Russians. Sadly, I don’t think there will be any justice for gay people in Russia in the near future. @vanenkov
Vladimir wears coat and pin Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Underwear and collar stylist’s own.
Sever
When did you first become aware of your gender? In kindergarten, when I was giving my dessert to girls.
What is the biggest gender stereotype we need to overcome? In Russia in particular, I’d like people to take it easy on others’ appearances so anyone could wear whatever he/she wants. For example, if I wear a skirt, most people, especially those born and raised in the USSR would think I’m crazy or gay. To me, this attitude is wrong.
Who are your idols? Generally, I have no idols, but there are some artists whose art I feel with the bottom of my soul. For example, Vladimir Vysotsky and Robert Rozhdestvensky.
What are the biggest challenges to being young and gay in Russia? In large cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg it’s OK, but the further from the capital you get, the worse people’s attitudes are. @amoureuxpeintre
Sever wears T-shirt Gosha Rubchinskiy. Collar stylist’s own.
Albus
What is the biggest gender stereotype we need to overcome? In Moscow people judge you by your ‘cover’, I face it periodically. It’s a shame that people who don’t know me personally, say that I’m gay just because of my pink sneakers and dyed hair.
Who are your idols? I want to be like my grandfather, he was a real hard worker, a real gent, in good shape, with a strong body, strong brain and skilfull fingers – a real example to follow. @helloslideshow
Albus wears jumper Fendi. Trousers Raf Simons. Gloves Acne Studios. Collar stylist’s own. Sneakers model’s own
Mak
Facebook now has over 70 genders, what gender do you identify as? I didn’t know there were that many options, I’m ‘classical androgynous’.
What do you like most about your gender? Responsibility and open doors.
Who are your idols? Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young, Tim Presley, David Bowie, Ariel Pink, Shawn Phillips, got a lot of them.
What are the biggest challenges to being young and gay in Russia? Obsolescence of notions, gloomy way of living that begs many just to hate something.
Are you hopeful about the future of gay rights in Russia? Give them 20 years.
Mak wears top Gucci. Pants Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Belt model’s own. Badges Dior Homme.
Credits
Photography Gosha Rubchinskiy
Styling Lotta Volkova
Models Sever, Albus and Dry at Lumpen Moscow. Vladimir Vanenkov. Mak Blue.