Hundreds of gays and lesbians in Russia, as well as their relatives and friends, will take part in the traditional "Rainbow flashmob" on May 17th. The preparation for this event has proceeded in the manner of all such spontaneous initiatives - from the bottom. But support and co-ordination are provided by various gay groups.

In Russia it is the Russian LGBT Network that provide these. In recent years it is to their credit that the largest events on May 17th - on the International day against Homophobia was carried out.

Let us note that amongst the European countries, it was Germany where the tradition of the "rainbow flashmob" has taken root in Hamburg, particularly due to the support of the Russian-speaking diaspora. For example, last year on May 17 at the initiative of activists, more than 700 people came to City Hall. The number of participants in the "flashmob" in Russia can not yet compete with Europe. But it can compete in terms of the number of coloured balls launched into the sky!

The flashmob which was held with the support of "Exit" and the Russian LGBT Network in May 2010 has been the most well-attended and multi-coloured in our country’s history. But the upcoming event which is taking place in just two weeks, has every chance to break last year’s record.