Gay Russian doctor to seek asylum in U.S.

[theHandpuppet]

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/02/09/exclusive-gay-russian-doctor-seek-asylum-u-s/?utm_source=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/02/09/exclusive-gay-russian-doctor-seek-asylum-u-s/&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=RelatedLinksInside
The Washington Blade (D.C.)
EXCLUSIVE: Gay Russian doctor to seek asylum in U.S.
February 9, 2014

A gay Russian doctor told the Washington Blade during an exclusive interview on Feb. 7 that he plans to seek asylum in the U.S. because of anti-gay persecution he said he faced in his homeland.

“I have suffered persecution and discrimination in Russia due to my political views and sexual orientation,” said George Budny. “I am fearful for my safety, the safety of my family and friends and fearful of the fact that I will never be allowed to become a productive and successful member of society in my home country.”

Budny, who is from St. Petersburg, spoke with the Blade in Dupont Circle hours after the 2014 Olympic Games officially opened in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi – and police in his hometown and Moscow arrested 14 LGBT rights advocates. Budny and his boyfriend also attended an opening ceremony viewing party at the Human Rights Campaign.

He said he began to experience homophobia after his mother began to inquire about why the Supreme Council of the United Russia Party in Moscow replaced her and other local officials ahead of the country’s 2007 parliamentary elections.... MORE

[Beachwood]

1. Hopefully the first of many

As a doctor, even in Russia, he may have more resources and be able to travel more easily as to medical conferences outside Russia.

Perhaps not so, and not so available to people with little savings, few opportunies to travel, few or no contacts in Western Europe, or in Canada/USA where they might find refuge.

I'd be interested in finding out if there's some movement afoot to sponsor defectors anywhere in the USA or elsewhere.