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Due to its geographic location close to the Russian border Kharkov (the Ukrainians spell it Kharkiv) has been nicknamed 'the capital of the Russian Ukraine'. Indeed, the Russian population in the city substantially outnumber Ukrainian residents, Russian is spoken everywhere, most publications appear in Russian etc. Waves of the official Ukrainization had little impact on these easternmost parts of the country.
As if to live up to its nickname of the second capital, Kharkov strives to imitate Kiev in every aspect, including the gay and lesbian presence. In fact, there has not been many changes in the gay life of Kharkov since the Soviet time: it is still centered around cruising areas in parks, railway stations and public WCs, and limited to specific time slots in public cafés and saunas. It is alleged that local gay 'activists' care more about money and their own publicity than about human rights of gays and lesbians. Still and all, local boys are cute and if you happen to be in Kharkov, be sure not to miss the fun!
OXANA BOCHARNIKOVA'S PRIVATE CHARITY FOUNDATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEXUAL MINORITIES | |
Address: | 52-47 Poltavsky Shlyakh, 61052 Kharkiv. |
Phone: | 12 23 48. |
Notes: | The foundation officially exists since 6 May 1996, but, apparently, it has never engaged in any activities aimed at the protection of gays and lesbians, nor funded any related projects. President - Mr Oleg Ovdeyenko. |
HOBO CLUB | |
Address: | 120 Akademika Pavlova vulitsa (Metro Akademika Pavlova), in the building of Era supermarket, entrance from the side opposing the gas station. |
Phone: | 26 97 63 |
Opening time: | Gay parties every Friday at 21.00. |
Notes: | The club is rather cheap what makes it attactive for younger gays (16-20 yo). Drag queen show, bar contests, dancefloor. Warning: the club is located in a bad neighbourhood, it is advisable not to walk around alone in the dark. |
ZOLOTOYE RUNO (GOLDEN FLEECE) CAFE | |
Address: | 37 Sumskaya vulitsa, in the Regional Scouts' Hall (Oblastnoy Dvorets Pionerov), the cafe itself is dubbed "Pionyer" (Pioneer). |
Opening time: | Daily, 12.00-22.00, the gay crowd is more dense in the evening. |
Notes: | The oldest gay cafe (inofficially, though) of Kharkov located at a stone's throw from the main cruising area (see below). |
ZDOROVYE (HEALTH) SAUNA | |
Address: | 7 Lermontovskaya vulitsa (Metro Pushkinskaya). |
Phone: | 47 65 65. |
Opening time: | 9.00-21.00, gays gather around 18.00. |
CRUISING