Media and Masculinities in Contemporary Russia

Based on extensive original research, this book examines the extent to which media in Russia upholds the Russian governments stance on sexuality. It considers the Russian governments policies designed to uphold traditional sexuality, reveals the strategies of resistance used by Russian media outlets to create positive portrayals of non-heteronormative people and circumvent the restrictive 2013 legislation banning positive representations of non-traditional sexual relations, and highlights particular examples of subversive media practices. Overall, the book challenges the prevailing view that media in authoritarian regimes are completely compliant with their governments position.