In the heat of military aggression, the LGBTQ community arises, striving for fairness in the armed forces
In the initial Pride event in Kiev since the conflict started, soldiers from the LGBTQ community join forces with military personnel, demanding equality from their domestic government and weapons from international allies. Time is running out, as they feel two-fold threatened.
Staff Sergeant Boris, nicknamed "Pjatotschkin," stands uniformed in the front row at KyivPride. He marches alongside other LGBTQ military personnel and servicewomen, leading the demonstration banner that reads, "Armor Ukraine Now." Surrounding signs call for Air Defense Systems, F-16s, Himars, Patriots, and Tanks.
Boris, a software developer in civilian life, enlisted in the army on February 24, 2022, the day of the Russian attack, and battles in Bachmut. He seeks more than just weapons; he stands for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ukraine, primarily advocating for marriage equality.
This is the inaugural Pride event in Kiev since the initiation of the Russian aggression war. Despite the persistent rain and early hour, an increasing number of attendees push through security checks to join the parade. Advisory warnings discourage carrying noticeable LGBTQ slogans on the way to the event.
Stringent Security Precautions and Discreet Practices
"We had to be more cautious when announcing the event location this year," confesses Mihajlo Jurow, one of the organizers. Only registered and cleared individuals were allowed to participate. The final announcement came at 7 am via Telegram, revealing a adjusted start time and large intersection near a subway station in the city center as the meeting point.
Caution is essential to avoid granting targets to the Russians and to prevent counter-protestors from attacking the parade, who gathered only a kilometer away on Maidan.
The intersection is thoroughly secured, with a Military Jeep equipped with drone jammers on top and dozens of police buses blocking side streets. "The negotiations with the police were difficult, but we managed to reach an agreement that allowed us to organize the march today," says Anna Scharychina, organizer and chairperson of KyivPride.
"Homophobia is a Russian Tool"
For many LGBTQ individuals in Ukraine, time is critical - not in spite of, but because of the war. "Many cannot visit their partners in the hospital or be visited by them. If someone dies and one is not married, one cannot decide on the funeral or the type of memorial service," explains Mihajlo Jurow. "Sometimes one does not even know what has happened because one cannot be the point of contact in the event of a death. Not to mention the fact that one cannot marry the person one loves." Additionally, there are issues concerning child custody, financial stability, and property disputes.
Last week, the prominent queer artist and musician Artur Snitkus lost his life at the front. Soldier Pavlo Kaliuk acknowledges the casualties and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. "I remember two of my friends who have perished. There are many LGBTQ people in the army. That's why I'm here today to support them," says the 36-year-old, who usually serves as a drone pilot near the frontline. "We need every Ukrainian. We cannot exclude or discriminate anyone. Homophobia is a significant tool of hatred employed by the Russians."
Legal Protection and International Support
Given the urgency and gravity of the situation, the focus of today's demonstration lies on draft bill 9103 concerning registered partnerships. Introduced in the Verkhovna Rada last summer to address the pressing issues of the LGBTQ community, this bill has stalled in the drafting phase since then.
"Our military personnel are putting their lives on the line right now, and they require both legal protection and weapons to defend our nation," Viktor Pylypenko declares just before the demonstration march commences. "Unfortunately, the government seems reluctant to enact the necessary laws, and the international community seems hesitant about delivering weapons and air defense systems that we need to secure the skies over Ukraine."
The 37-year-old was one of the first war veterans to come out publicly in 2018. From 2014 to 2016, he fought in the Volunteer Battalion Donbas, and since 2022 in the 72. Brigade "Black Saporogian Cossacks."
Gradual Acceptance through Increased Visibility in the Military?
Despite legal obstacles, opposing protests, and daily discrimination and violence, Pylypenko observes progress in acceptance of LGBTQ individuals over the past two years. "Homophobia has decreased, particularly since LGBTQ soldiers have become more visible. Ukrainians have enormous respect for their defenders."
Pylypenko founded the organization "Ukrainian LGBT Military for Equal Rights" in 2021, which now has 500 soldiers and soldiers among its members. However, these are only the ones who have come out publicly. He estimates that the percentage of homosexuals in the Ukrainian army ranges between 7-10%, similar to anywhere else. The organization provides psychological support and legal assistance.
Thirty Meters in Ten Minutes
Suddenly, the atmosphere becomes chaotic, and the first Pride event since the beginning of the Russian invasion begins to move. More than three hundred participants, a vibrant mix of students to pensioners, and even some diplomats. Defying the heavy rain, they march closely together like in slow motion across the street. At the head, a dozen soldiers from the LGBTQ community.
The gatherers cheer: "Equip Ukraine instantly", "Love rules, loathing is trash", "Russia is a terrorist nation", "Stay true, we're with you", "Make Russia foot the bill".
Yet, the gathering ends swiftly. Across the intersection, about thirty meters from the commencement, stands another underpass station entrance. Law enforcement and organizers urge all participants to hastily enter the secured underpass and leave, as a band of far-right adversaries from Maidan draws near. Safety and de-escalation are the main concerns.
Anna Scharychina, the head of KyivPride, expresses her dismay over the meager duration and size of the event. "Regrettably, we don't have much to cheer about at present. I only wish things were different." However, it was crucial to demonstrate to Ukrainian society and the global community that the struggle for a superior Ukraine continues, even amid the Russian aggression war. Additionally, the rekindling of dialogue with the city administration was a positive development, and the police handled their tasks competently.
"The quandary of when KyivPride will be secure is the same as the quandary of when the war will end. No one can provide an answer to that. All we can do is keep battling - against the Russians and against homophobia, bisexual hatred, and transphobia."
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In the midst of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's LGBTIQ soldiers and allies demand equality and international arms deliveries during KyivPride, highlighting the two-fold threat they face.
Sergeant Boris, an LGBTQ military member, leads the march with the banner "Armor Ukraine Now," showcasing the urgent need for military support alongside calls for marriage equality.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainian LGBTIQ individuals like Mihajlo Jurow and Artur Snitkus push for legal recognition, advocating for marriage rights to protect their loved ones and secure their future in Ukraine.
