Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are rising and LGBTQ people also have heightened fears about what might happen.
Even though the dispute between Ukraine and Russia started years ago, it might get worse. The precondition for this is provided by the tens of thousands of soldiers transported by Russia to the Ukrainian border.
The United States has 8,500 troops on standby in case the situation worsens. NATO has prepared fighter jets and ships for possible combat in Eastern Europe.
Russia’s potential attack will be catastrophic for the LGBTQ community as well. Queer activists think about what might happen in the event of an escalation of the conflict. They fear that progress on LGBTQ rights will stall and their freedom will be threatened. LGBTQ people are ready, if necessary, to fight for their country because they feel a patriotic duty toward their country.
“We are united in this issue. It does not matter your gender identity or orientation – we will all move forward together, “said Lenny Emson, director of the Kiev Pride.
He also noted that during war the society is more aggressive towards minorities and especially towards LGBTQ people.
“The Ukrainian LGBTQ movement is very successful. In September of last year, about 7,000 people marched with us. In addition to Kiev, we have Pride marches in several other cities. We have more than 30 LGBTQ organizations working in different regions of Ukraine. What we’re seeing now is that every member of the community is in danger every day,” said Lenny Emson.
The situation in Ukraine also worries people who have left the country. Bogdan Globa, a Ukrainian LGBTQ activist who has lived in the United States since 2016, is concerned about current events in his homeland. He says that the more Russia seizes territory from its homeland, more LGBTQ people are at risk.
