Russian born photographer Alexander Kargaltsev was awarded a scholarship to the New York Film Academy in 2010. And it was there where he finally found shelter and escape from prosecution.We were moved by his series Asylum. In his beautiful work and words we find the safety we are all looking for:

– What do you think the most powerful force in the world is? Many say it is love, but do you truly believe that love for their country is keeping young gay Russians to stay in their homeland?

NO! Fear and poverty makes young gay Russians stay in their homeland! Russian schools don’t teach English, so you can’t communicate when you leave Russia (I picked up the language only after a year living in NYC). There is no information about an opportunity of Asylum. When I did my project a lot of people approached me shocked, and wondered how they can move. Salaries in Russia are so small you can’t buy a one-way plane ticket.

– How does New York welcome you as the person you are?

New York was wonderful for me! I made friends easily and started working at the theater (Dixon Place) almost right away as a director. I met my boyfriend. New York is the best place on the Earth.

– Will you ever go back to Russia? What is the hardest part not being there (if there is one)?

Сейчас я не могу вернуться в Россию – это для меня крайне опасно. Я скучаю по друзьям, которые там у меня остались, не смотря на то, что многие покинули россию, как и я.

Now I can not return to Russia – that for me is very dangerous. I miss my friends there that I still have, despite the fact that many left Russia, as I did.

 -How do New York boys/men approach you when you tell them you are Russian? Do they see it as sexy and exotic while you perhaps feel it is a curse?

К русским в Нью-Йорке относятся очень хорошо, без предрассудков. Люди помогают учить язык и с пониманием относятся к любым просьбам. Руссакие поддерживают в Нью-Йорке друг друга так, что я не чувствую себя далеко от родины. Мой дом теперь АМерика, и я надеюсь, ничто уже не сможет этого изменить.

Being Russian in New York is very good, without prejudice. People help and are sensitive to any requests. Russak support each other in New York City so that I do not feel far from home. My home is now America, and I hope nothing can change that.

Find these photo’s and more in Alex’s book

kargaltsev.goodsie.com/asylum-book

Article: Tristan Greenwood