Masha Gessen
Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist, author, translator, and activist known for reporting and commentary on Russia, authoritarianism, LGBTQ rights, and U.S.
Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist, author, translator, and activist known for reporting and commentary on Russia, authoritarianism, LGBTQ rights, and U.S. politics. Born in Moscow, they later moved to the United States and have written for major publications including The New Yorker and The New York Times. Gessen has also been publicly critical of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Early life and background
Masha Gessen was born in Moscow on 13 January 1967 as Maria Alexandrovna Gessen. They later emigrated to the United States as a teenager and identify as a lesbian.
Career
Gessen has written for major outlets including The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and others. Their work spans journalism, books, translation, and public commentary. Gessen was a staff writer at The New Yorker from 2017 to 2024.
Writing and themes
Much of Gessen’s work addresses Russian politics, authoritarianism, and LGBTQ rights. They are also known for writing about figures such as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Recognition
Gessen’s book The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia received the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2017. They have also held academic and fellowship roles.
Key facts
- Gessen was born in Moscow in 1967 and later moved to the United States.
- They have worked as a journalist, author, translator, and activist.
- Their writing has focused on Russia, authoritarianism, LGBTQ rights, and U.S. politics.
- Gessen was a staff writer at The New Yorker from 2017 to 2024.
- Their book The Future Is History won the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2017.
Gessen’s work is relevant to Canadian readers through coverage of Russian politics, authoritarianism, and LGBTQ rights, topics that often intersect with Canadian public policy and international affairs.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- The New Yorker — https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/masha-gessenSupports: Biographical details, association with The New Yorker, topics covered, and award information.
- The New York Times Company — https://www.nytco.com/press/masha-gessen-joins-the-times-as-an-opinion-columnist/Supports: Born in Moscow and moved to the United States as a teenager.
- Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/masha-gessen-bio.pdfSupports: Career summary, books, residence, and teaching roles.
- GBH — https://www.wgbh.org/people/masha-gessenSupports: Journalist biography, activism, LGBTQ rights work, and departure from Russia in 2013.
- The New Yorker — https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/masha-and-keith-gessen-on-writing-about-russiaSupports: Residence in New York and background on writing about Russia.
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/world/europe/russia-masha-gessen-prison.htmlSupports: 2024 Russian court sentence in absentia and pronoun usage.