War in Ukraine Causes Added Strife for LGBTQ People in the Region

The war in Ukraine is causing tragedy and upheaval for everyone in the region, but even during war, the LGBTQ community remains a target of attack for simply existing. An underground, trans rights group operating out of Russia reports that a new statute has been proposed to the nation’s lower house, the State Duma, focused on increasing penalties for “the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations.” “Gay propaganda” has been banned by the government.

Monetary penalties for offenses range from $750 USD to just under $100,000 USD. Those charged with breaking the law could also face deportation.

Of great concern to LGBTQ activists in the region is the assertion made by a close advisor to Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Oleksiy Arestovych, military adviser to Ukraine’s presidency, stated that he believes LGBTQ people suffer from a disability. He went on to say that LGBTQ people should be treated with compassion, but he opposes “propaganda.” These comments were made just ahead of Ukraine’s main Pride event. Outcry against Arestovych’s comments was swift, with a call for his immediate firing.

Reports of Russian soldiers hunting down gay men before raping and castrating them are common. Even then, it is estimated that such incidents are underreported. Activists acknowledge that sexual violence is about power and humiliation rather than sexuality. Russians find homosexuality abhorrent and a violation of the laws of nature. Russian soldiers who commit these atrocities believing that they are upholding the principles of Putin’s anti-gay sentiment and beliefs.

Prior to the Russian invasion, Ukrainian LGBTQ activists were beginning to build trust within the country, slowly moving toward a greater degree of acceptance. The war has caused a momentous setback in Ukraine, and hatred has been reignited against LGBTQ people. LGBTQ people who cross the border into Poland are also met with condemnation. Poland enforces “LGBTQ-free zones” as a Catholic and increasingly anti-LGBTQ country.

GLAAD is monitoring the situation in Russia and Ukraine and is working with RUSA-LGBT, an association of Russian and Russian-speaking LGBTQ people in the United States. RUSA-LGBT has set-up several ways for supporters to donate to a fund providing humanitarian relief to those fleeing persecution in Ukraine. GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide has additional information about worldwide issues affecting LGBTQ people.

OutRight Action, an international LGBTQ organization headquartered in New York City, also accepts donations to assist organizations prepared to ensure the safety of LGBTQ refugees.

Ukrainian queer performer Shast is now using his contacts as a stylist to assist the army to locate materials and supplies. “If Russia wins, it will mean darkness. There will be no opportunity to be yourself, no rights for diverse communities,” he predicts.