The Mayak Cabaret in Sochi

Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, steps out on stage for a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, steps out on stage for a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.David Goldman—AP
By TIME Photo
Performers get ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret, the most reputable gay club in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Performers get ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret, the most reputable gay club in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.David Goldman—AP
Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, gets ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, gets ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014. David Goldman—AP
Andrei Sarkisian, second from right, who goes by the stage name of Miss Zhuzha, gets ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Andrei Sarkisian, second from right, who goes by the stage name of Miss Zhuzha, gets ready backstage before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014. David Goldman—AP
Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, steps out on stage for a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Penelopa, who would only give his stage name, steps out on stage for a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.David Goldman—AP
Kira, left, and Lisa, right, who would only give their stage names, perform during a show at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Kira, left, and Lisa, right, who would only give their stage names, perform during a show at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014. David Goldman—AP
Workers wait for customers to arrive before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014.
Workers wait for customers to arrive before a performance at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014. David Goldman—AP
Sochi Olympics Gay in Sochi
A dancer performs in the crowd at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8, 2014. David Goldman—AP
Veranda, who would only his stage name, performs at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8 2014.
Veranda, who would only his stage name, performs at the Mayak cabaret in Sochi, Feb. 8 2014.David Goldman—AP

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