Moscow has, without a doubt, earned the title of the gay capital of Russia, leaving the other cities of the former Soviet Union far behind. No other town in Russia has such tolerance towards gays and gay prostitution. So it is no wonder that Moscow has formed such an intensive and compact gay scene. All places are generally safe for gay visitors, but it is advisable to refrain from showing your affection to the partner outside them. In the Moscow clubs face control and security guards are doing their job preventing all potentially dangerous incidents. You will find 3 gay cafes on the central street of 1.5 kilometers. Just a walk along Tverskaya Street will give you insights into the sizzling gay live. All venues can easily be reached by foot.
Like any large city Moscow features many gay cruising areas, in Russian dubbed "pleshka" (singular) or "pleshki" (plural). Public attitude to such meeting places varies from feigned ignorance to contempt. Gay bashing, called "remont" ("repair") in Russian, does not occur very often. Still, "militia" ("police") is very reluctant to meddle with homosexuals and if you happen to fell victim of violence or robbery, you are likely to be denied official protection. "Pleshki" are mostly visited by professional hustlers and poor students or seniors. The largest one on Kitai-Gorod (see below) has a number of its partons who come there every evening to dish with their friends.
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