Olgerta Kharitonova, a feminist behind the Ostrov (or "Island" in English), a DIY-online magazine for feminists and lesbians, praised Agens' founders as brave people given the predominantly anti-gay climate in Russia.
"If a glossy lesbian magazine survives on Russian soil, it will be the best present for the LGBT community in 2013," said Kharitonova, who has been publishing Ostrov for more than a decade.
"If Agens manages to reflect lesbian life in the format of a glossy magazine without attracting the ire of the outraged Orthodox community, then we can only wish them luck and keep our fingers crossed," she said.
Vitaly Milonov, an anti-gay crusader and St. Petersburg's legislature lawmaker, condemned the magazine but conceded there is no law banning its publication.
"Such a magazine can be published, of course, but we should watch that this filth does not fall into the hands of minors," Milonov said.
He added he "would be happier if someone started a magazine about cats", which he suggested would have a bigger audience.
So far, Agens is only on sale at four places popular with gays in Moscow -- 7freedays, Enjoy Night Club, Indigo store and Milk beauty studio -- and online at Shop.Gay.Ru for $9.97 per copy.
