World Press Photo of the Year, Contemporary Issue, 1st prize singles, Mads Nissen, Denmark.

‘Jon and Alex’, was taken on 18 May 2014 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Jon, 21, and Alex, 25 are a couple, photographed in an intimate moment. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is becoming more and more difficult in Russia. Sexual minorities fact legal and social discrimination, and often violent attacks.

This photo is beautiful, and heartbreaking.

And Mads Nissen is excellent and a fine ambassador for his craft.