The pilot issue of a glossy magazine for lesbians has gone on sale in Russia this month, against the background of anti-gay laws and social attitude.

      Agens, an independent quarterly describes itself as “A Magazine About Women for Women” and claims it is the only printed glossy publication for lesbians in Russia. According to Agens' editor-in-chief Milena Chernyavskaya, the new magazine aims to reflect lesbian life, not excluding a dialogue between the readers and the authorities.

      The first 120-page issue has articles about culture, fashion and psychology, stories about film-making, studies abroad, private business, along with shared stories about "coming out" experiences at work. The magazine is expected to be distributed through specialized websites and shops.

      It is the third attempt to launch a lesbian-oriented publication in Russia, after VolgaVolga (2004) and almanac Pinx (2006-2011).

      Earlier this year, the State Duma passed in its first reading a bill which would introduce steep fines for promoting homosexuality to minors. Critics of the proposed law say it could be broadly interpreted to discriminate against the gay community in Russia.