Russia’s top female tennis star comes out as gay as she slams Putin’s policies
Russia's top female tennis player has come out as gay and slammed president Vladimir Putin's sick policies towards LGBTQ rights.
Daria Kasatkina is currently ranked number 12 in the world and reached the semi-finals of the French Open earlier this year but has condemned her country's attitude towards homosexuality. She also came out as a lesbian and confirmed that she is dating a woman in a YouTube interview with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko.
Having come out as bisexual last year, Kasatkina has now confirmed that she is dating Estonia-born figure skating Natalia Zabiiako and shared a picture of the couple to Instagram.
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When asked during the interview if she had a girlfriend, Kasatkina answered "yes" before getting emotional when Kravchenko asked: “Aren't you afraid you simply can't go back to Russia?”
Kasatkina replied, via the Daily Mail: “Yes I have thought about it,” before appearing to cry as she leant onto his shoulder. Russian law currently restricts the discussion of LGBTQ relationships.
They cannot be discussed in front of minors if it is deemed to constitute “promotion of non-traditional sexual relations”. New proposals have now been put forward which would completely ban the "promotion" of LGBTQ relationships in a positive or neutral light.
Kasatkina has hit out at those proposals, explaining: “There are many subjects that are even more important than it that are banned, so it's no surprise.
“Living in the closet as they say is pointless. Until you choose to come out. Of course it's up to you how to do it and how much to tell. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters.”
She also touched on the plight of Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who spoke publicly about her sexuality earlier this month, adding: “My respect. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls needed to know that.
“It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support. I believe it's important that influential people from sports, and any other sphere speak about it. It really helps.”
Kasatkina currently resides in Dubai and trains with Spanish coach Carlos Martinez Comet, having missed Wimbledon after Russian players were banned due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Her partner, Zabiiako, has also represented Russia in the past, winning a silver medal in the team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. However, she now skates under the Canadian flag.
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