It started as part of Vladimir Putin's efforts to shore up support among traditionalist Russians after losing the urban middle class. But Russia's laws marginalizing gays and lesbians and an ensuing string of violent homophobic attacks have turned into a major international headache for the Kremlin -- sparking everything fromto calls toof the 2014 Winter Olympics.On the latest "Power Vertical Podcast," I discuss the issue of LGBT rights and how it is driving yet another wedge between Russia and the West.Joining me are co-hosts Kirill Kobrin of RFE/RL's Russian Service and Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies.Enjoy...Listen to or download the podcast above oron iTunes.