That members of the LGBTQI+ have a particularly difficult time in many eastern countries is beyond question.
Accordingly, it is all the more groundbreaking that Ukrainian LGBTQI+ activists have now decided to set an example and criticize Putin's actions. Loudly and with great publicity.
This is how the activists express themselves against the Russian leadership
In a message published by the organizers of Kyiv Pride, it is stated that they will "never give up". Parallel rallies were held throughout the country. The credo was always clear: the participants were concerned with showing that they are against the war. At the same time, they want to get Putin to stop the fighting.
As usual, as disillusioning as it may sound, the regime is cracking down on those who disagree with it - whether they are in Russia or in another country. Meanwhile, arrests and detentions in Moscow, for example, are reportedly in the four-digit range. And yet many people bravely take to the streets to stand up for what they believe in - peace and community, among other things.
Messages are also spread via social networks
The members of the LGBTQI+ community spread their statements not only on the streets, but also increasingly on social networks. Thus, the organizers and supporters of the Pride wrote on Twitter that they would remain strong and they would not be intimidated. They went on to say, "We have left the past, into which Putin is trying to drag us, far behind us. We are a country that has chosen the values of human rights, humanity, life and personality."Putin, on the other hand, lives in the past and has his place there.
If everyone stood together, Putin would not stand a chance. The organizers are therefore calling on governments to do something about the war in Ukraine. It is time to show "how powerful we all are together".
At the same time, other LGBTQI+ organizations are now calling for demonstrations in other countries.
Many people from the community are afraid of Russia
... among other reasons, because queer life in Ukraine sometimes differs significantly from queer life in Russia. As already mentioned, members of the community face different kinds of discrimination, especially in many Eastern countries. Nevertheless, the situation for queers in Ukraine is still much more relaxed than it is, for example, in Russia.
If Putin were to actually achieve his military goal and take Ukraine, many fear they would have to pay with their lives. The likelihood that queer rights would be further expanded under Russian leadership is slim. Rather, it could be a clear step backward, leading to more discrimination and an increased potential for danger.
A special kind of horror scenario is presented by the fact that Russia allegedly plans to hunt down certain groups of people if it succeeds in conquering Ukraine for itself.
Have you noticed that Berlin's administration is now also training "diversity" ?