"Witnesses of the False Vacuum" is a queer activist, artistic, and research movement that challenges not only hetero- and cisnormativity but also the totalitarian regimes that oppress us. We emerged in an atmosphere of fear and violence where our rights are violated and self-expression is tightly controlled. We see ourselves as part of a global struggle against authoritarianism and militarism, whose manifestations are war and repression.

The name of the movement refers to the scientific concept of "false vacuum," which describes a metastable state in quantum field theory. In this way, we strive to emphasize the instability of ideas about gender and sexuality. However, this theory for us is not just a scientific concept, but a metaphor for our reality, a world that can be swept away by the Wave of Vacuum Transformation at any moment. We live in a state of constant threat, as if the world around us is ready to collapse. The ban on transgender transition and repression against LGBTQ+ people are just some of the many manifestations of this threat. However, even in these conditions, we will not give up "queer joy." Our slogan is “Let’s live this moment in the throes of genuine queer joy!” This is not a call to passivity but a manifesto of our resilience. We will fight for our rights and freedom, no matter what, and fill our lives with joy and pleasure while we still have that opportunity.

We operate in Russia and Central Asia, uniting in territorial cells. Through samizdat newspapers and art actions, we strive to provoke society to rethink norms and expand the boundaries of what is acceptable. We strive to create a world where every person can freely express themselves and build relationships without being limited by imposed stereotypes, and we believe in the possibility of building a new society based on the principles of cosmic eros and queer radicalism. We believe that even in the darkest vacuum a new universe can be born – a universe of freedom, equality, and love.

Samizdat Queer Newspaper

In the heart of Russian cities, a secret project is underway. A collective of queer artists and activists have come together to create a zine that offers a voice to those often silenced. Through interviews and essays, examples from art history and provocative visuals, the zine explores themes of identity, sexuality, and social justice, as well as documents other artistic interventions of the group. By leaving copies in unexpected places, such as public restrooms of art institutions and hidden corners of bookcrossing stations, the group aims to create a sense of community and belonging for queer individuals who may feel isolated. This clandestine distribution method allows them to bypass traditional media channels and reach a wider audience, while also mitigating the risks associated with openly promoting queer content in a potentially hostile environment.

Below you can see a map of the locations where three issues of the queer newspaper were hidden.