Side by Side, through a range of mediums - opinion columns, special content features, literature, podcasts, cinema, visual and digital arts, online discussions, debates, webinars and trainings - draws together a rich and eclectic range of opinion, knowledge and experience from a broad spectrum of disciplines, in order to discuss contemporary and historical debates relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, feminist and human rights issues in the Russian language.

Although not exclusively, countries with a Soviet, post-Soviet and socialist past provide a particular focus of interest, seeking to share, analyse and inform audiences on the achievements and challenges faced by LGBTQ and minority communities from these regions.

We aim, through our vibrant, varied resources and forums of thought and debate, to stimulate greater understanding, community building and cross fertilisation of ideas which are of interest to Russian speaking individuals and communities located around the globe.

In an ever polarised world where LGBTQ, women’s and minority rights are under attack Side by Side calls for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and inequality based on sex, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.