According to sociology scientist Tatiana Riabova, Russian anti-Western sentiment presents Europe as being decaying, with one of the explanations for this being the alleged "distortion of natural
gender roles". Negative attitude toward Europe is serving as a basis for Russian
national identity, and not only exalts Russia for its inhabitants, but also gives it a role of the messiah, the stronghold of traditional family values, destined to "save" Europe and the whole world. Riabova also states that the concept of "Gayrope" is an important part of legitimizing of the current political regime in Russia, allowing the government to pose itself as keepers of "normality". The forced picture of Russian political opposition as traitors of the state is supplemented by their picture as people with gender deviations. Values of people from the
creative class are shown as pervert, and the political activity produced by them as illegitimate, and not worthy of attention. According to the gender sociologist
Tamara Martsenyuk, usage of this word in Ukraine is a good example of the fact that
homophobia is still present in the country. == See also ==