One hundred people demonstrated against LGBT+ oppression today in a flashmob of same-sex affection on King’s Parade at midday.

Same-sex couples made out, hugged and danced together, in an flashmob event intended to send a message of solidarity to LGBT+ members in Russia and elsewhere.  Local businesses and residents on King’s Parade flew the rainbow flag and hung bunting, while music played out from Café Nero.

Elly Smith, at Trinity Hall, organised the event.  She said: “My girlfriend and I can hold hands on the street, without fear. We feel very lucky to live in a town where people aren’t persecuted for who they love.

“Not everyone has this. Not everyone even knows it is possible. So I wanted to demonstrate what a tolerant world looks like, and send it to Russia as a message of hope.” 

Ryan Howard, a participant, said, “It was really heartwarming to be part of it. To LGBT+ people in Russia: the world is listening, and the world is fighting for you.”

Ed Boyd, another participant, enjoyed the event: “In the midst of it all, whether you were gay or not felt unimportant, the general feeling seemed to be that love's something to be celebrated whoever it is you happen to love and it really sucks that some people hate you for it.” 

Tourists, startled by the sudden flashmob, were quick to reach for their cameras and greeted participants with smiles.

One Chinese tourist commented: “it’s great that people here feel so confident and everyone is so happy.  I think this is a powerful message to send to the world, and I hope Russians see what has happened here.”

The demonstration was provoked by oppression of homosexuals in Russia.  Legislation introduced there last year bans referring to homosexuality in a positive or neutral way, and prohibits homosexual ‘propaganda’ to minors.  This legislation grouped paedophilia and homosexuality in the same legal category, and resulted in a huge surge of violence against LGBT+ people in Russia.  According to the state-owned All-Russian Public Opinion Center, 88% of Russians support the legislation, and a majority believe that homosexuals should attempt to be ‘cured’. 

Although Cambridge alumnus Stephen Fry called for a boycott of Sochi last year, Elly stresses that: “The aim is not to make a political statement about whether or not we should boycott the Winter Olympics.”

The event was one of several similar nationwide movements.  #torussiawithlove is now trending on Twitter.  Other LGBT+ movements have followed Cambridge’s demonstration and plan to do the same elsewhere.

Footage from today’s event will be compiled with other events’ footage, which will go towards making a national video of solidarity called “To Russia With Love.”  This will create a stark contrast with Human Rights Watch’s video, released last week.