in a new book, it tells incredible stories of the daily lives of russians who are persecuted in their own country just for being gay. with us is the co-editor of the book and tatiana, whose story is highlighted in the book. thanks for having us. thank you. you eventually had to leave russia to be with anna. you say it was hard leaving russia behind. i had a career in russia, a nice apartment, family, i sacrificed all of that to be with anna. i didn t have a choice, though. even if ana could come live with me in russia, we would never be able to be open there. life in the u.s. might not be always easy but at least here i never had to be hugh mum yatd and punished for being a lesbian. what do you think life would be like in russia. i don t think we would have much of a life. we would have to pretend to be roommates or friends or just