Discrimination against gays and lesbians in Russia and Kazakhstan remains widespread. People refuse to accept sexual minorities and consider them as freaks.



Dauren is 21 years old. He is a student.

He was 12 years old when once entered his grandfather’s room to wake him up. But grandfather never opened his eyes and Dauren called his mom. When he saw her face all bathed in tears he understood that life is a cruel thing.

At school he thought that something was wrong with him. He felt emotional about his schoolmate. He was scared but couldn’t stay away from the guy.

It took him long enough to understand that he was a gay. What he means is that this thought didn’t strike him at once.

Puberty is characterized by nervousness, sensitivity and irritation. But Dauren also had the feeling of inferiority, loneliness because he couldn’t share the feelings with anyone else and fear that his secret will become known to others.

He became asocial. He didn’t know any gays around who could advise him to take it easy. He felt he was a freak and started thinking over how to kill himself.

When Dauren was 19 he met a guy who invited him to a gay club for the first time in his life.

When Dauren entered the club he felt he was at home. He saw a plenty of guys who were having fun, dancing and… kissing.

Then someone appeared on the stage.

It was a transvestite named Asya who looked and danced in the most ideal way. Dauren understood he was gazing at a guy but to him it was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life.

After that he felt like wearing dresses.

And he started a new life. He became free and happy.

In two months after that remarkable night he will climb the stage with a show of his own.

Now Dauren has a lot of friends and soul mates.

He never wanted to go through a sex reassignment surgery and likes both of his lives. If there was no such a thing as homophobia he would be the happiest man in the world.

Initially learning the truth was a shock to his mother who later resigned herself to the fact and accepted things as they are.

According to his words, attitude to sexual minorities in Kazakhstan is now better than it was 30 years ago but still leaves much to be desired. That’s why he is planning to move to Europe to feel safe.

He hopes that after reading this story at least one person will start treating gays and lesbians in a more patient way.

There is another thing that can make him upset right now: after reading this article his mother will find out that he is smoking.

via bigpicture