How to Support LGBTQ+ People in Ukraine
March 9, 2022By Zoe Schulz, myGwork
“In times of war, marginalized people are always hit first. This includes queer people, especially trans people,” activist Adam Eli said last week of the ongoing Russian invasion happening in Ukraine. Throughout history, we have seen this proved true, as marginalized and vulnerable people often take the brunt force of tragedies they did not create.
Leaders from Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ community have said that they will “not be intimidated” by Putin as the world has watched tragic events unfold. LGBTQ+ people everywhere deserve safety and the fundamental human right of being able to live freely as who they are, and in times of crisis, their safety is even more critical than ever. No matter the geographical separation, the queer community is tied together, a collective family that can never be completely free while others are not. Despite the danger and risk, many LGBTQ+ activists and organizations across Ukraine are speaking up and raising support for those that need it.
Lenny Emson, Direct of Kyiv Pride, urges the international community to stand up: “Call on local authorities, any professionals you have access to. Please call on them to stand up right now, take political action to support Ukraine, and take action against this war. We are really relying on your help.”
Romeo – Gay Dating App
This gay dating app has launched a “Shelter for Ukraine” group to help LGBTQ+ Ukrainians finds shelter. The group connects refugees to potential hosts and so far over 3,000 users have offered up their spare rooms and homes to those in need. The app is German, but has users across Europe with shelter being offered throughout the continent including in the Netherlands, France and Belgium.
“We’ve been really lucky with how great our users have been and how they’ve opened their hearts,” Abigail Gaskin, from Romeo has shared. “One of the things we were concerned about was that people might use it in the wrong way, but we haven’t had to be worried. People see how scary what’s going on is. People are very serious, and they’re being very kind.”
Insight Ukraine
Insight Ukraine is a human rights organization that brings together LGBTQ+ people. They explain their values as equality, feminism, freedom, inclusiveness, diversity for all social groups. They have been offering vital support for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians for over ten years, with specific funds for the trans community, which provides psychological, legal help and assistance transitioning.
“Each of us can change the country for the better! We have been working for the LGBT+ community and women since 2008. Without the support of volunteers, friendly specialists, philanthropists, our activities all these years would be impossible.”
KyivPride
KyivPride is an NGO working to ensure the full respect for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine. As well as KyivPride-week and events throughout the year, the group has been outspoken against adversity and pushes for better representation.
“We understand that LGBT+ Pride will be the first target for Russia… but we believe in the Ukrainian army that has been fighting already for 24 hours holding Russia back,” explained Lenny Emson. “We want to hope, and we want to believe that the international community will stand up and help us in this fight. We don’t want to believe that Ukraine will be Russia. There is no space for human rights in that country. We don’t want Ukraine to be the same, and we are going to fight against it.”
GiveOut Ukraine Appeal: LGBTQI Emergency Fund
GiveOut is an award-winning international LGBTQI community foundation enabling our community and allies to give in one place to support LGBTQI activism worldwide. They recently launched their Ukraine appeal, which is an LGBTI emergency fund that will go directly to OutRight Action International’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. All donations raised will be going directly to providing emergency shelter for LGBTQI people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
“Already, people are leaving Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the eastern part of the country for, at the moment, safer rural areas and the western parts of the country, while neighboring EU countries work to prepare shelters for an influx of displaced people."
The Agudah (The Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel) Emergency Fundraiser
Launched on Monday, this Israeli group are fundraising to support LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine. All money raised will go to two grassroots LGBTQ+ charities in Ukraine: KyivPride and Sphere Women’s Organization. This will go to much needed social services, which will provide shelter, accommodation and supplies to the community in Ukraine.
QUA – LGBTQ+ Ukrainians in America
QUA is the first NGO for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians and their allies in the United States. Founded in 2019 their focus is on supporting Ukrainian LGBTQ+ people in America, helping immigrants integrate into American society and advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people both in Ukraine and America.
Their Aid Network brings together LGBTQ+ people and allies in America who want to support Ukrainian refugees and will distribute funds to the LGBTQ+ Ukrainian community on the ground during this crisis.
“Russia's war has displaced millions in Ukraine. LGBTQ+ people are particularly vulnerable in times of displacement and need safe and affirming shelter and community support.
QUA is connecting a network of LGBTQ+ folks and allies in the United States who are willing to provide support to LGBTQ+ refugees. Food, housing, translation services, pro bono legal support—we are looking to ready any and all assistance to this at-risk community.”