The recent controversy surrounding the My Little Pony fan event in Moscow has highlighted the challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals and groups in Russia, where any form of expression or advocacy for the community is seen as a threat to the country’s “traditional family values”. The event, which was organized by a group of fans who wanted to celebrate their love for the show and its themes of friendship and diversity, was met with resistance from conservative forces in the country who saw the event as a threat to “traditional family values”.
According to the event organizers, police arrived at the venue early on Saturday and demanded that the event be closed down due to allegations of promoting non-traditional relationships and related symbols, adult content for minors, and general horror and darkness. The police also claimed that the event was promoting a general atmosphere of darkness and horror. Despite the allegations, the police were unable to find any evidence of illegal activity and eventually allowed the event to continue.
However, the organizers decided to close the event earlier than planned after hearing unconfirmed reports of more police officers heading to the venue. Both organizers and volunteers were able to leave the venue without incident, but the event’s reputation has been forever tarnished by the alleged allegations. The controversy surrounding the My Little Pony fan event is just the latest in a series of anti-LGBT+ measures taken by the Russian government in recent years.
In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court banned the global LGBT+ movement in Russia, labeling it an extremist organization. The ruling is part of a broader crackdown on LGBT+ people in the country, where “traditional family values” have become a cornerstone of President Vladimir Putin’s 24-year rule. The ban on the global LGBT+ movement has had far-reaching consequences for LGBT+ individuals in Russia, including laws that prohibit public displays of symbols of extremist organizations. At least three people have been jailed or fined for displaying rainbow-colored items since the ruling.
Vladimir Kara-Murza (Via Vladimir Kara-Murza/Twitter)
The ban has also led to a rise in anti-LGBT+ sentiment and violence in the country. The situation in Russia has also raised concerns among fans of My Little Pony who are worried about the impact of the country’s anti-LGBT+ policies on the show. My Little Pony has previously been targeted by anti-LGBT+ activists in the country, including a complaint filed with the Russian movie database Kinopoisk in December 2023 alleging that the show is promoting LGBT+ propaganda.
The complaint was lodged after the show’s logo, which features an animated horse with a mane styled in the colors of the Russian flag, was deemed to be promoting non-traditional relationships. The logo is seen as a symbol of the show’s themes of diversity and inclusivity, and has been a source of pride for many fans of the show. The controversy surrounding the My Little Pony fan event in Moscow highlights the challenges that LGBQT+ individuals and groups face in Russia, where any form of expression or advocacy for the community is seen as a threat to the country’s “traditional family values”.
It also highlights the need for greater protections and support for LGBT+ individuals in the country, and for greater awareness of the challenges that they face. The event’s organizers have vowed to continue to promote the values of diversity and inclusivity that are at the heart of My Little Pony, and to continue to provide a safe space for fans of the show to express themselves. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the event’s organizers remain committed to their mission, and are working to find ways to continue to promote the show and its themes in a country where they are increasingly under attack.
The situation in Russia has also raised concerns among fans of My Little Pony who are worried about the impact of the country’s anti-LGBT+ policies on the show. My Little Pony has previously been targeted by anti-LGBT+ activists in the country, including a complaint filed with the Russian movie database Kinopoisk in December 2023 alleging that the show is promoting LGBT+ propaganda. The complaint was lodged after the show’s logo, which features an animated horse with a mane styled in the colors of the Russian flag, was deemed to be promoting non-traditional relationships.
The logo is seen as a symbol of the show’s themes of diversity and inclusivity, and has been a source of pride for many fans of the show. The controversy surrounding the My Little Pony fan event in Moscow highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals and groups in Russia, where any form of expression or advocacy for the community is seen as a threat to the country’s “traditional family values”.
