ACT UP Disrupts “Stoli Guy” Event To Protest Russia’s Anti-Gay Crusade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Activists Criticize LGBT Companies For Partnering With Stolichnaya
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Media: Brandon Cuicchi (646) 284-2948

NEW YORK, NY, July 31, 2013 — Members of ACT UP/NY disrupted an event sponsored by Stolichnaya Vodka at Splash Bar in New York City to protest recent anti-gay legislation passed in Russia under Vladimir Putin. This homophobic legislation has led to a surge of attacks on the LGBT community, including people with HIV and AIDS, in Russia.

Responding to calls for a nationwide boycott of Russian products, including all Russian vodkas, the activists blew whistles, chanted, and held up signs reading, “Russia Kills Gays”, “Boycott Russia”, and “Dump Stoli” while Stoli executives looked on. A number of gay bars across the country have taken all Russian vodkas off their shelves, and ACT UP is calling for all bars, whether gay or not, to stop serving Russian vodkas.

“We need to send a clear message to Russia that the LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities will not send any of our money to a nation that viciously attacks the rights and safety of its LGBT people, including people with HIV and AIDS. As long as these laws remain on the books, we demand a boycott of all Russian products,” said ACT UP member Mark Milano.

In June, the Russian Duma passed a law allowing police officers to arrest tourists and foreign nationals they suspect of being LGBT or“pro-gay” and detain them for up to 14 days. Earlier in June, Vladimir Putin signed yet another draconian, anti-gay bill, classifying “homosexual propaganda” as pornography so that anyone who makes pro-gay statements is now subject to arrest and fines.

These laws also punish Russians with HIV and AIDS and restrict the organizations that serve them and prevent further spread of the disease. ACT UP activists predict that access to safe sex information, sex education, condoms, and AIDS treatment drugs could be designated as “homosexual propaganda” under Putin’s law and jeopardize HIV prevention efforts. They’re demanding that international organizations like UNAIDS condemn the homophobic legislation.

Last night’s Stoli event was cosponsored by a number of LGBT companies, and ACT UP is demanding to know why they still support the company after the anti-gay legislation was passed. “We question why LGBT companies like Queerty, Edge, and Scruff would continue to partner with or accept any money from Stoli Vodka. The vodka that Stoli serves to LGBT patrons is served on a platter of Putin’s homophobia and AIDSphobia,” said ACT UP member Brandon Cuicchi.

ACT UP promises more actions to pressure the Russian government to end its attacks on the human rights of all LGBT people.

Video link:  http://youtu.be/CJJZGGsIU8g

#dumpstoli #dumpputin #boycottrussia #2014Olympicsboycott

About ACT UP

Founded in 1987, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. ACT UP currently meets every Monday night at 7PM ET via Zoom. Notes: you will be asked to contribute your first & last name and email address to access online meetings, and KN-95 masks are required for ACT UP NY in person meetings/actions/gatherings. All individuals are welcome!