October 14, 2025

Russia's War on Books: A Censored Translation


Russia's War on Books: A Censored Translation
Books on Russian politics. The Russian Life File.

On October 10, Mediazona reported that a publishing house in Russia removed all references to LGBT persons in a Russian translation of the book "The Identity Trap," by German-American political scientist Yascha Mounk. 

According to Mediazona, political scientist Vladimir Gelman drew attention to the translation's censorship on a private Facebook group. On October 3, the literary magazine Gorky published an excerpt of the Russian translation of "The Identity Trap," edited by the Individuum publishing house for distribution in Russia.

The original work has a passage that reads, "Some people feel that their gender does not match their biological sex. We should allow them to live as they wish and celebrate the greater acceptance of trans people." However, the paragraph reads differently in the translation: it skips the call for trans rights.

Instead, it included the following disclaimer: "According to Article 20.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, propaganda and public display of extremist organizations are prohibited; in January, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation's decision recognizing the 'international LGBT public movement' as an extremist organization came into effect — Editor's note." Individuum told Mediazona that the note appeared at the Editor-in-Chief's discretion. 

Individuum has had its run-ins with the Russian government. In the spring, the manager David Protopopov, former sales director Pavel Ivanov, and warehouse manager and distributor Artem Vakhlyaev were placed under house arrest for being involved in an "extremist organization." The arrests were carried out after the publishing house Eksmo acquired Individuum and Popcorn books, the latter of which is known for publishing fan fiction, including LGBT love stories.

Individuum is not the only publishing house under government scrutiny. In July, the bookstore Falanster and its founder, Boris Kupriyanov, were fined R800,000 R ($9,843) and R100,000 ($1,230) respectively for "LGBT propaganda." In September, a Moscow court fined Novoyoe Literaturnoe Obozrenie (New Literature Review) R400,000 ($4,921) for "LGBT propaganda." The publisher had published "Infernal Feminism" by Swedish religious historian Per Faxneld. The publishing company Ad Magnum also faced charges for releasing Olivia Lange's "Everybody's Body."

You Might Also Like

My Son Smells Like Caramel

My Son Smells Like Caramel

In the summer of 2024, blogger Alyona Kapustyan, who is fully deaf-blind, and sightless massage therapist Islomiddin Barotov had a son – who can see and hear. Here’s how she, a poet, and he, an athlete, are building a family and undermining stereotypes about relationships and parenthood among people with disabilities
Immortalizing a Modern Hero?
  • October 12, 2025

Immortalizing a Modern Hero?

The governor of the Kursk Region has announced plans for a new monument to honor a "hero" of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Rubles to Rebuild
  • October 05, 2025

Rubles to Rebuild

The Russian Prime Minister will allocate over R 4 billion to foster businesses in regions that border Ukraine.
Russia's War on Books
  • May 22, 2025

Russia's War on Books

Police in arrested 10 current and former employees of Russia's largest publishing house on charges of "LGBT propaganda."
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955