Even if it is "faddish," homosexuals aren't exactly welcomed by many Russians, as I understand it.

Islam does not welcome it either
An American who foolishly moved into the West Bank to live with his Palestinian lover said they told everyone they were just friends, but one day they "found a letter under our door from the Islamic court. It listed the five forms of death prescribed by Islam for homosexuality, including stoning and burning. We fled to Israel that same day," he said.

Homosexual palestinians fleeing to Israel. But how can this be? Safety in the arms of "the oppressor"? heh.

Ironically, my understanding is that currently Israeli law prohibits Palestinians from living within the 1967 boundaries. This applies even to Palestinian spouses of Israeli citizens. If a gay Palestinian today fled to Israel to live with his lover, he would be doing so illegally.

preferable to death

British Imam: Gays Should Be Executed
http://atheism.about.com/b/a/258429.htm

Personally, I believe it's "faddish" in the US also.