Dear friends!

The “Coming Out” conducted elections of the new director. After the introduction of candidates and a discussion during which the candidates answered the questions of the present coordinators and other volunteers of the organization, the Board of administration chose Igor Kochetkov (Petrov) to be the new “Coming Out” director by open vote.

““Coming Out” is a unique organization for our country; it’s not due only to its “orientation”. Most non-governmental organizations in Russia are created for particular projects or for particular persons. So they disappear right after the end of the project or after the person leaves. “Coming Out” is an organization created to serve the ideas and needs of the socially active part of the LGBT community. “Coming Out” was initially started by a team of very different people who shared the same values. This makes it stable. There is a core leader group that can “head on” during any storm on one hand, and accept new people with new ideas on the other. I’d like to emphasize that at the head of “Coming Out” there has always been not a single leader but a team of leaders”, said Igor Kochetkov.

Igor will enter upon his duties after all the formalities and delegation of powers are done. The Board of administration and other “Coming Out” participants are encouraged by the new stage in the development of the organization; they welcome Igor in his new position.

In 2010 “Coming Out” is planning to expand its work with the state, society, and the LGBT community in Saint-Petersburg.

With best regards,

The “Coming Out” Board of administration

Translated by M.K.