Daria Kasatkina, Russia’s highest-ranked female tennis player, has come out as gay in a video interview posted online on Monday.
Relationship
The current world No 12 told Russian blogger Viyta Kravchenko that she is in a relationship with the figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, and found “living in the closet” impossible.
Kasatkina, 25, who is not currently based in Russia, also posted pictures on Instagram with her girlfriend,the Guardian reported.
In the interview which was filmed in Barcelona she also spoke out against attitudes towards homosexuality and restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia. “So many subjects are taboo in Russia,” Kasatkina said.
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Gay
“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming (gay) is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight.”
“Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?” she added. Russia’s existing “gay propaganda” law, passed in 2013, has been used to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.
LGBTQ+
There is currently an effort by Russian lawmakers to broaden this law with a complete ban on “promotion” of LGBTQ+ relationships in a positive or neutral light, to adults as well as minors, and on showing LBGTQ+ content in cinemas.
In her interview she expressed fears that she would “never” be able to hold her girlfriend’s hand in Russia. “Living in the closet is impossible. It is too hard, it is pointless,” she added. “Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and fuck everyone else.”
Ukraine
In the interview, Kasatkina also called for an end to fighting in Ukraine. “For the war to end,” she said when asked what she wants most in life, describing the conflict as a “complete nightmare.”
Kasatkina is then shown crying in the video, when asked if she fears she may not be able to return to Russia after the interview.
