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Pavel Patel built up a career in Russia as a model, performance artist and DJ. Sergey Ostrikov
Petel is now losing business -- and blames that on the anti-gay law implemented in Russia in June and increased violence towards gays. Sergey Ostrikov
He says he and his partner, Sergey Ostryakovskij, were attacked outside Moscow. "Sergey and I were lucky to be alive last year because some people wanted to kill us," says Petel. "My fear has been growing since then." Sergey Ostrikov
"I was working on my video when I turned on the TV and saw video of one anchor of a Russian channel who said that you need to burn the gays' hearts," Petel told CNN. "I had to continue to smile, perform, say 'hello sexy' but it was difficult." Sergey Ostrikov
"I'm dressed down now when I go on to the street and I'm afraid police could arrest me. They can implement the law against me. I know that I'm not safe." Sergey Ostrikov
"I'm scared to come to the streets now wearing wigs or heels. I've started to wear them much more rarely." Sergey Ostrikov
When he was growing up in the Soviet era, "life was easier," he recalled. In fact, he doesn't even define himself as a gay man at all. "I've never actually thought about myself being a gay or a straight or anything else." Sergey Ostrikov
Photographs of Petel semi-naked while riding a horse and brandishing a gun are a feast for web surfers. Sergey Ostrikov
Russia insists the new law, which bans "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations around minors," is intended to protect children. It bars discussion of gay rights and relationships within earshot of children. Sergey Ostrikov
International rights groups have called the legislation highly discriminatory, as anti-gay attacks are on the rise in Russia and are sometimes perpetrated by the police themselves. Sergey Ostrikov
An international backlash against Russia's anti-gay propaganda law is gathering speed, from calls for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia to gay bars in Los Angeles planning "vodka-dumping" protests. Sergey Ostrikov
Petel, who lives in Moscow, said that although he believes the law is "designed against people with non-traditional sexuality" he does not support a boycott. Such a move could cause a backlash against gays, he fears. Sergey Ostrikov
"People will say that it's gays who sabotaged and boycotted the Olympics and people will just burn us with our hearts. This is the silliest thing you could do." Sergey Ostrikov
He says that if he lived abroad as a gay person he would avoid a country with repressive laws. ""I wouldn't feel pleasure. I wouldn't be afraid, it would be just unpleasant." Sergey Ostrikov
"Russia would benefit from appreciating gays the same way that Indians appreciate their cows," says Petel. "To me, gays are usually kind, talented, genial, creative and I feel sorry that they're leaving. It's not civilized." Sergey Ostrikov
"I think it will be back to normal again in 10 years but the new young generation should come to power and change the laws. Maybe we'll see the first Russian gay president in 10 years. Or maybe it will be a woman." Sergey Ostrikov
