by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
The Festival of Queer Culture in St. Petersburg, Russia, kicked off Sept. 16 despite apparent pressure from the government to block the events.
Organizers had to find a new venue for the opening and a photo exhibition after the St. Petersburg Union of Artists reportedly broke a contract for use of its facilities at the last minute.
The union's head reportedly told festival organizers that the city's Committee of Culture had urged that the events be canceled because they promoted "propaganda of homosexuality."
The 10 days of activities included workshops, discussions and events with poets, photographers, musicians, actors and dancers.
