"Popcorn Books launched in Moscow in 2018. Its website states that it is for 18+ readers and describes its books as "exciting fiction for young adults and adults that touches on topics which are still regarded as controversial in today's Russia." "These are books about queer characters, self-identification, racism and sexism, mental health issues and more," the site explains. Under Russian law, so-called LGBTQ+ "propaganda" has been banned in the presence of minors since 2013."
"In May of last year, the distribution director for Eksmo, Anatoly Norovyatkin, was detained by law enforcement officials, along with 10 other people associated with the company. Officials seized books from Popcorn and accused detainees of spreading LGBTQ+ "propaganda" in violation of Russian law. Three Popcorn Books managers are still under house arrest and face up to 10 years in prison, according to the Moscow Times."
Popcorn Books, a young adult imprint launched in Moscow in 2018, focused on novels addressing queer characters, self-identification, racism, sexism and mental health. The imprint marketed content for 18+ readers and highlighted controversial topics in Russia. Russian laws since 2013 ban LGBTQ+ "propaganda" in front of minors, expanded in 2022 to prohibit public expressions of LGBTQ+ life, and the Supreme Court labeled the international LGBT movement an "extremist organization" in 2023. Eksmo employees were detained, books were seized, managers placed under house arrest and staff charged for publishing and selling LGBTQ+ content.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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