Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an ongoing tragedy endangering millions, especially minoritized communities. Today, we want to bring attention to fears among LGBTQ+ people in particular. Russia reportedly has “kill lists,” including members of the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community among many others. This has contributed to grave fear of worsening repression of queer life under Russian occupation.
Russia, along with other nationalist governments such as those in Hungary and Poland, has pushed a type of extremist Christian nationalist governing style which promotes “traditional values” in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. For example, “gay propaganda” is illegal in Russia, effectively outlawing much public discussion of LGBTQ+ issues and status. Last October, President Putin of Russia compared “gender fluidity” to a “crime against humanity”.
The political movements fueling these governments position themselves as defenders of the traditional Christian values, the family, and in opposition to growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, which is seen as a sign of weakness and degeneracy.
We oppose military aggression and call for peace and respect for human rights everywhere.
Links for more info:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-lgbtq-fear-human-rights-abuses-if-russia-invades/
https://katelynburns.medium.com/no-the-war-in-ukraine-wasnt-because-of-pronouns-c3e3e8f938a3
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/2/4/the-war-on-gender-an-unholy-east-west-crusade
https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/12/12/no-support/russias-gay-propaganda-law-imperils-lgbt-youth
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/23/putin-gender-russia-news-conference/