Queer in Russia A Story of Sex, Self, and the Other

" ... this is an important book for scholars of sexuality, women, and culture in post-Soviet Russia."--Choice "Essig's book is an informative account of the birth of Russian queer groups, newspapers and clubs."--SEER, 72, 2, 2001 "Laurie Essig's book is significant both for Russianists and for queer theorists. Essig demonstrates that 'queerness' in Russia is not defined as a matter of identity politics, and, in so doing, she raises important theoretical questions about the nature(s) of queerness as it crosses cultural borders." Jehanne M Gheith, Duke University "An entirely original investigation of the gay and lesbian scene in Russia and a book of enormous value, Queer in Russia will serve as a beachhead in the field of Russian queer studies. In one volume one finds a concise history of sexual transgression in the Russian context as well as the rise of queer Russian identity. " Luc Beaudoin, University of Denver