Photos: Check out the sights of Sochi, the gayest city in Russia

[caption id=“attachment_1297289” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Gay rights activist Vladislav Slavsky (L) poses for a photograph with his boyfriend, who wants to remain anonymous, in a park near the Black Sea promenade in Sochi, south western Russia.. During Soviet times, Sochi gained a reputation for tolerance but the city’s once vibrant gay scene has been shrinking since Russia won the right to host the 2014 Winter Games. Reuters image[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_1297291” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Gay rights activist Vladislav Slavsky poses for a photograph in a construction pipe at the beach in Sochi, south western Russia October 21, 2013. This year President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the spread of “gay propaganda” among minors. Reuters image[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_1297295” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Gay rights activist Vladislav Slavsky (R) poses for a photograph with his boyfriend, who wants to remain anonymous, at the Black Sea promenade in Sochi, south western Russia Putin’s increasingly conservative social agenda has boosted the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose leader has suggested homosexuality is one of Russia’s biggest threats, and given more air time to anti-homosexual rhetoric on media outlets. Reuters image[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_1297297” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Co-owner of a gay cabaret club, the Mayak, Andrey Tanichev poses for a photograph in his venue in Sochi. The new law has focused attention on Sochi, which will host many foreigners as well as Russians during the Olympics. Reuters image[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_1297301” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  A performer prepares to take part in a drag queen show backstage at Mayak, a gay cabaret club in Sochi. Some activists have called for a boycott of the Games in protest. Reuters image[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_1297307” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  A man participates in a drag performance at Mayak, a gay cabaret club in Sochi. Reuters image[/caption]