DM me about it or make a post in another community if you disagree with what I said. This thread isn't the place to have that discussion, it's off topic and drama-stirring.
It was a joke, Putin, being a fascist, wouldn't support queer people, even in enemy countries. Your friend being nb and buying into that conspiracy is very silly.
Oh. I read your initial post as in saying that gender identities were considered bad by Russia (which, yes - I know that country is fashy) and were using them as a "weapon."