Tanya Lokshina 's friend told of being gay youth in Soviet town . Doctor told him to keep it quiet . But she says in modern Russia being gay did not mean being closeted until new law passed . Law bans promoting gay relationships ; this flouts charter of Olympics , she says . Lokshina : " I was a little bit shocked by the news that they are going to ban gays from participating at Sochi Winter Games.
Tanya Lokshina 's friend told of being gay youth in Soviet town . Doctor told him to keep it quiet . But she says in modern Russia being gay did not mean being closeted until new law passed . Law bans promoting gay relationships ; this flouts charter of Olympics , she says . Lokshina : Putin denies discrimination , but message to LGBT people is clear .