Aeroflot forces gay flight attendant to marry woman

Activists call for boycott of Russian airline after LGBT staff rights activist Maxim Kupreev forced to wed

29 January 2012 | By Andy Harley

Maxim Kupreev founded the first LGBT group in Aeroflot but has now been forced to marry.

Photo courtesy of GayRussia.eu.

Gay activists in Russia are planning to ask air passengers to boycott Aeroflot, Russia’s leading airline and not to use its services until the creation of equal conditions for all workers.

The call comes following the revelation that gay flight attendant Maxim Kupreev was forced by his employers to enter into heterosexual marriage with his former high school girlfriend following his announcement last year to create an LGBT group within the company to fight for the protection of the rights of homosexual employees.

The boycott is set to be launched on 9 February at a rally outside the head office of Aeroflot on Arbat Streetin Moscow.

‘We have already worked out a number of slogans which underline a double meaning of the word "marriage" in Russian which we are going to communicate with the public in the context of Aeroflot’s activities,’ Nikolai Alekseev, founder of Moscow Pride, told Gay Star News.

The Russian for ‘marriage’ is ‘brak’, and it also means ‘defect’.

Protesters will be asking the public to defect from the airline, he said.

According to internal Aeroflot sources reported by GayRussia.eu, 25-year-old flight attendant Maxim Kupreev was given an ultimatum late last year to enter into heterosexual marriage or to lose his job. At the end of 2011 he married his school friend Sofia Mikhailova who got the right to fly Aeroflot for 10% of the fare – and other company privileges.

In order to register marriage with Kupreev, Mikhailova had to dissolve her real marriage to Grigoriy Andreykin. The divorce was finalised on 11 October last year.

‘Aeroflot effectively broke a real marriage and created a sham one,’ Alekseev said.

The creation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group in Aeroflot was announced on 20 June 2011. At this time, Kupreev, the founder of the group said it would fight for the direct inclusion of discrimination ban on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity into internal documents of Aeroflot. His group also planned to fight for the recognition of same-sex partners of the employees.

The next day the official spokesperson of the airline, Irina Dannenberg, told the French news agency AFP that there was no LGBT group in her company. According to her, ‘one should separate personal and professional life,’ AFP reported.

Kupreev himself told to AFP in June that he had already started to face pressure from the airline management. ‘They are already trying to silence us,’ he told the news agency.

In July 2011 gay activists tried to picket the central office of Aeroflot in support of the first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group in the major Russian company and to denounce the pressure on its founders.

But the Moscow authorities banned the event over ‘security concerns’. And the organisers of the picket, who planned to defy the ban, cancelled the event at the request of Kupreev.

Both the Taganskiy District Court and the Moscow City Court later ruled that the ban was lawful. This decision last year is expected to be appealed to the European Court of Human Rights.

On Friday (27 January) Moscow Pride activists officially notified Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin about their intention to conduct a rally on 9 February, the 89th anniversary of the creation of civil aviation in Russia and birthday of Aeroflot.

They plan to condemn discrimination policy of the state owned airline against homosexual workers and will demand dismissal of Aeroflot from the global airline alliance, Sky Team, which is led by Air France-KLM and includes American carrier Delta.

The reply of Moscow government to the notification of gay activists concerning the rally is expected next week. But organisers have already said that they will conduct the event irrespective of the authorities’ decision.

It has become a routine practice for Moscow authorities to ban all public events of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Despite the ruling of the European Court in the case of Alekseyev v Russia concerning the illegal bans of Moscow Prides in 2006 to 2008, Moscow authorities banned the pride again in May 2011.

Comments

Add New Comment

by Meller | 22 May 2013

Your post is very nice . From some I search for this information. But I didn’t get right thing.I would like to read more from you...Links 4 Money

by Jgateway | 19 May 2013

J Gateway will be accessible via Jurong East MRT. Commuting to the Bukit Timah Area as well as the city area is therefore very convenient. It is also right beside J Cube, Westgate and Jem. IMM Jurong as well as Jurong Country Club are also within a short walk.

J Gateway

by ghantoby | 19 May 2013

Learned a lot from it. I will store your webpage and will continue to keep read through your new articles. Wonderful! Thanks!

Agen SBOBET, Asiapoker77, Agen IBCBET, Judi Online, Prediksi Bola

by yakenzu | 14 May 2013

Great Post. I have not been visiting the site recently. Took a visit
again and there were some great comments on the site. Excellent post.
Keep up the good work.

Agen Bola Ligabet88 Promo Bonus 100% IBCBET SBOBET 368BET

by what is white h... | 12 May 2013

Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me.
Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college,and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.Buy Cheapest Tantum Hat

by duyentran607 | 08 May 2013

The boycott is set to be launched on 9 February at a rally outside the head office of Aeroflot on Arbat Streetin Moscow.best fish oil omega 3

by luffy1567 | 07 May 2013

What can i say absolutely absolutely shame full, its like gay people aren't allowed to express them selves.

Beauty trend

by timmi61 | 06 May 2013

The information provided on this blog is 100% accurate and up-to-date. I am so obsessed of reading this blog that is why I am recommending it to my friends and family members.
buying facebook likes

by Load77 | 05 May 2013

It truly is not simple to retain this kind of top quality in the webpage.This is a well written article on this subject.In reality prosperous content and extraordinarily functional information.www.paymentprocessingsolutions.org

by Nike741 | 04 May 2013

Your post is very nice . From some I search for this information. But I didn’t get right thing.I would like to read more from you
River Meadows Senior Living

by what is white h... | 04 May 2013

Post is nicely written and it contains many good things for me. I am glad to ﬁnd your impressive way of writing the post. Now it become easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thanks for sharing the postwhat is white hat seo

by christian | 30 April 2013

I’m not positive where you are getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
http://abnormalmedicalconditions.com/addictions/alopecia-causes-and-trea...

by u0301466 | 28 April 2013

Ecopolitan EC has full and unique facilities, which includes a guard house, clubhouse, Function Room & Indoor Gym Tennis Court, 50m Freeform Pool Pool Deck, Wading Pool, Splash Pool & Family Pool Jacuzzi & Hydro Spa, BBQ Area Dining and Play Fountain, Fitness Alcove & Children’s Playground and Garden Trail. The condo’s facilities provide full family entertainment needs for your family and loved ones. Indulge in a serene and tranquil lifestyle right in the heart of Punggol.

Punggol EC

by mariahenry | 30 April 2013

Great website. A lot of helpful information here. I'm sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your effort!
Free Cell phone spy
cell phone spy software

by dailaolaa (not verified) | 26 April 2013

cheap sunglasses

cheap oakley sunglasses

cheap ray ban sunglasses

oakleys sunglasses

ray ban glasses

oakley sunglasses discount

wholesale mlb jerseys

wholesale nfl jerseys

wholesale nba jerseys

wholesale nhl jerseys

wholesale jerseys

Jerseys From China

wholesale ncaa jerseys

Cheap Oakley Sunglasses

Ray ban Sunglasses

Cheap sunglasses

oakleys sunglasses

ray ban glasses

Cheap Oakley Aviator Sunglasses

Custom baseball jerseys

Custom basketball jerseys

Custom nfl jerseys

Custom hockey jerseys

Custom paintball jerseys

Custom baseball jerseys

custom mlb jerseys

Custom basketball jerseys

Custom nba jerseys

Custom nfl jerseys

Custom football jerseys

Custom hockey jerseys

Custom nhl jerseys

Custom Diamondbacks Jerseys

Custom Braves Jerseys

Custom Orioles Jerseys

Custom Sox Jerseys

Custom Cubs Jerseys

Custom Sox Jerseys

Custom Reds Jerseys

Custom Indians Jerseys

Custom Rockies Jerseys

Custom Tigers Jerseys

Custom Marlins Jerseys

Custom Astros Jerseys

Custom Royals Jerseys

Custom Angels Jerseys

Custom Dodgers Jerseys

Custom Brewers Jerseys

Custom Twins Jerseys

Custom Mets Jerseys

Custom Yankees Jerseys

Custom Athletics Jerseys

Custom Phillies Jerseys

Custom Pirates Jerseys

Custom Padres Jerseys

Custom Giants Jerseys

Custom Mariners Jerseys

Custom Cardinals Jerseys

Custom Rays Jerseys

Custom Rangers Jerseys

Custom Jays Jerseys

Custom Nationals Jerseys

Custom Hawks Jerseys

Custom Celtics Jerseys

Custom Bulls Jerseys

Custom Cavaliers Jerseys

Custom Mavericks Jerseys

Custom Nuggets Jerseys

Custom Pistons Jerseys

Custom Rockets Jerseys

Custom Pacers Jerseys

Custom Clippers Jerseys

Custom Lakers Jerseys

Custom Grizzlies Jerseys

Custom Heat Jerseys

Custom Bucks Jerseys

Custom Nets Jerseys

Custom Hornets Jerseys

Custom Knicks Jerseys

Custom Thunder Jerseys

Custom Magic Jerseys

Custom 76ers Jerseys

Custom Suns Jerseys

Custom Blazers Jerseys

Custom Kings Jerseys

Custom Spurs Jerseys

Custom Raptors Jerseys

Custom Jazz Jerseys

Custom Wizards Jerseys

Custom Bowl Jerseys

Custom Cardinals Jerseys

Custom Falcons Jerseys

Custom Ravens Jerseys

Custom Bills Jerseys

Custom Panthers Jerseys

Custom Bears Jerseys

Custom Bengals Jerseys

Custom Browns Jerseys

Custom Cowboys Jerseys

Custom Broncos Jerseys

Custom Lions Jerseys

Custom Packers Jerseys

Custom Texans Jerseys

Custom Colts Jerseys

Custom Jaguars Jerseys

Custom Chiefs Jerseys

Custom Dolphins Jerseys

Custom Vikings Jerseys

Custom Patriots Jerseys

Custom Saints Jerseys

Custom Giants Jerseys

Custom Jets Jerseys

Custom Raiders Jerseys

Custom Eagles Jerseys

Custom Steelers Jerseys

Custom Chargers Jerseys

Custom 49ers Jerseys

Custom Seahawks Jerseys

Custom Rams Jerseys

Custom Buccaneers Jerseys

Custom Titans Jerseys

Custom Redskins Jerseys

Custom Ducks Jerseys

Custom Thrashers Jerseys

Custom Bruins Jerseys

Custom Sabres Jerseys

Custom Flames Jerseys

Custom Hurricanes Jerseys

Custom Blackhawks Jerseys

Custom Avalanche Jerseys

Custom Jackets Jerseys

Custom Stars Jerseys

Custom Wings Jerseys

Custom Oilers Jerseys

Custom Kings Jerseys

Custom Wild Jerseys

Custom Canadiens Jerseys

Custom Predators Jerseys

Custom Devils Jerseys

Custom Islanders Jerseys

Custom Rangers Jerseys

Custom Senators Jerseys

Custom Flyers Jerseys

Custom Coyotes Jerseys

Custom Penguins Jerseys

Custom Sharks Jerseys

Custom Blues Jerseys

Custom Lightning Jerseys

Custom Leafs Jerseys

Custom Canucks Jerseys

Custom Capitals Jerseys

by shurdul (not verified) | 24 April 2013

I am going through this post and thinking of it’s theme and trying to understand what is this post about personal injury lawyers melbourne At last I can have found something from this post which feels pretty good. So I can not but am writing this comment to express my appreciation conveyancing in melbourne

by rogerpackle | 23 April 2013

This is like my third time visiting your Blog. You should write more please, this information will help me and others. Try proof reading a couple of times before publishing. Keep writing though... cell phone listening

by christian | 22 April 2013

Came to your site through an would like to sign up to your rss feed. Thanks alot.
http://www.articlerich.com/Article/Increase-Your-Fertility/1755345

by lenialaprok | 22 April 2013

Your knowledge of this subject comes through clearly in this article. I love to read this kind of articles, I hope you will update it. Thank you for sharing it with me. Nokia mobile prices

by musa3690 | 21 April 2013

This is beyond doubt a blog significant to follow. You’ve dig up a great deal to say about this topic, and so much awareness. I believe that you recognize how to construct people pay attention to what you have to pronounce, particularly with a concern that’s so vital. I am pleased to suggest this blog.Aftec

by Tom787 | 19 April 2013

Great news! Racing Aeolus 2012 is going to be awesome! I hope this year you guys improve your performance than last year and not only win the race again, but also get a new world record! All the best team!
term papers

by jassysingh | 17 April 2013

This is an excellent post, I was looking for this knowledge. Just so you know I found your web site when I was searching for blogs like mine, so please check out my site sometime and leave me a comment to let me know what you think.pilates classes and fees

by u0301466 | 16 April 2013

Future residents are within a short driving distance to Ang Ko Kio Hub and Compass Point. With such a short drive to the city area as well as the orchard and bugis area, entertainment for your love ones and family will come at a stone’s throw away.
Belgravia Villas Site Plan

by Tom787 | 09 April 2013

You might write about the services on the blog. You should disclose it's refreshing. Your blog conclusion could accelerate your shoppers.
Linux Redirection

by hemu | 07 April 2013

by jeramkoli | 03 April 2013

A very nice and useful information provided through this blog and like such blogs which always provides such educational information and it is nice to read it.
anti snoring mouthpiece

by Donna23 | 03 April 2013

This doesn't sound fair to me, it's not like they harm anyone if they are gay. It is a stupid idea if you ask me. I am not gay, but I am open-minded.

by abest84 | 03 April 2013

Coach Handbags

with my parents

cheap burberry handbags

house for the summer

wholesale designer purses

preparing for the university

coach outlet online

and was in no hurry

coach outlet coach

interfered with my freedom

cheap designer bags

parting with my last tutor

cheap designer purses

never been able to get

furla handbags

that he had fallen

gucci handbags

sluggishly in bed with

gucci wallet

exasperation on his face

hermes handbags

with careless kindness

jimmy choo handbags

though she had no

cheap juicy couture handbags

cares completely

juicy couture wallet

young and very handsome

cheap louis vuitton bags

her from mercenary

cheap louis vuitton wallet

ten years older than

mk purses

was for ever agitated

mk wallet

very much afraid of him

prada handbags

never seen a man more

prada wallet

at the country house.

roberto cavalli handbags

we left town on the

louis vuitton outlet

about in our garden

louis vuitton bags

beyond the town gates

louis vuitton belts

often than anythingt

louis vuitton store

a great deal of

Louis Vuitton Damier bags

and my heart ached

handbags louis vuitton

hope and anticipation

louis vuitton sunglasses

frightened of something

louis vuitton louis vuitton handbags

wonder at everything

louis vuitton wallets

imagination played continually

outlet louis vuitton

about the same fancies

louis vuitton handbags

the tears and through

louis vuitton purses bags

inspired by a musical verse

louis vuitton men bags

in spring the delicious

louis vuitton monogram bags

and effervescent

louis vuitton bags handbag

gallop and fancy

purses louis vuitton

my face towards

cheap louis vuitton

its shining radiance

louis vuitton purses

that time the image

louis vuitton sale

arose in definite shape

bags louis vuitton

presentiment of something new

louis vuitton louis vuitton purses

settled for the summer

louis vuitton bags purses

in the lodge on

louis vuitton wallet

for the manufacture

coach purses

once strolled that way

cheap handbags purses

at about a dozen thin

cheap handbags and purses

boys with greasy smocks

outlet coach online

jumping on to wooden

coach online outlet

pressed down the square

cheap coach purses

blocks of the press

coach purses outlet

struck off the variegated

cheap purses and handbags

lodge on the right

cheap purses handbags

and was to let

purses and handbags cheap

lodge were drawn up

cheap gucci bags

had installed themselves

purses handbags wholesale

inquired of the butler

wholesale purses handbags

hearing the name of

wholesale handbags purses

observed with some respect

handbags purses wholesale

three hired flies

handbags and purses wholesale

he handed a dish

cheap louis vuitton handbags

their own carriage

wholesale purses and handbags

so much the better

china handbags

not be a rich woman

china purses

so dilapidated and small

prada bags

have consented to

purses from china

went in at one ear and

bags from china

had just been reading

by musa147 | 01 April 2013

I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will locate that extremely usefulfresh brown sugar body scrub

by Luciler Buckley | 01 April 2013

personal statement essay
Excellent post my friend. This is exactly what I've been observing for for quite a time now... Thanks for this wonderful post! It has been extremely useful.

by luciferwilliams8552 | 31 March 2013

by justwanna42 | 31 March 2013

I believe that people should all be looked upon equally, but this is hard to achieve because mainstream media pretty much dictates what we believe in. http://chordsworld.com/ariana-grande-the-way-chords/

by loin | 31 March 2013

Nice articles …I am very happy to read this article..Thanks for giving us nice info. Fantastic walk-through. I appreciate this post.shark poker

by Ben258 | 27 March 2013

I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the good work. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea.
car window repair

by vike88 | 26 March 2013

You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views…hope more people will read this article!!
Jonas

by musa147 | 26 March 2013

This is certainly this type of great useful resource you are furnishing therefore you deliver out cost-free. Everyone loves seeing websites that will be aware of the requirement of supplying a fantastic learning resource cost-free. Many thanks for this brilliant learning resource!online marketing

by filtop22 | 23 March 2013

The blog is really appreciable and i like to keep on visiting this site once again that it would help me in further thanks for sharing the info
total merchant services

by Jerry789 | 23 March 2013

Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part :) I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
fast backlink do-follow approval

by christian | 21 February 2013

Hello .. I have never seen a smart articles that you created. It really helped me to get back my ideas for writing. I will save this post, for I learn more.
http://www.pharmqd.com/profile/jamesparry

by sususu | 20 February 2013

Priest" Mr. Law Kiu, a down and out, Clarisonic Mia 2 for fear of his students frustrated

by AliseFrdeke | 17 February 2013

I can`t believe this

by samuelc | 15 February 2013

Great stuff from you, my friend. I’ve read your posts before and you’re just Awesome! I love what you’ve got here, love what you’re saying and the way you say it.

http://www.jplusvitamins.com/health-articles.php?CatID=63&ArtID=787247

by filar | 14 February 2013

I wished to find out a lot more about specified resources, nevertheless, not a lot of web pages will help me out in showing me the way that I estimated. This remained me with several problem, on the contrary right after studying your page, I actually obtained a powerful answer to all my questions. You are too cool dude!!!payment solution