Thousands of Russian men fled to Armenia after Russia’s partial mobilisation in September - some from the LGBTQ community are now trying to set up a new life in a country where being gay is legal, but not widely tolerated. Many seek specific support after arriving. The increase in LGBTQ Russians has had an impact on Armenian society, says Haik, who is gay: “Through them we have become more visible because they are here (in our streets)... A person who arrives with piercings or coloured hair, naturally people see it! And then, after a while, you feel like if someone can do it, then someone else can do it too.” IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES