Is Ukraine more LGBTQI+ friendly than the rest of Eastern Europe?

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, more and more people are fleeing from terror, bombs and the Russian regime. After all, among other things, Russia is also one of the countries known for suppressing the LGBTQI+ scene. Whether it's homophobic statements or attempts to suppress education around LGBTQI+ issues, the list of criticisms that many queers raise is long.

What is particularly frightening in this context: In many other Eastern European countries, the situation is not really any different. A look at the media shows that there is still a lot of work to be done here before there COULD ideally be some kind of equality. Recently, the Hungarian government in particular has dominated the news with LGBTQI+ hostile bans and discrimination. Again and again it was hotly discussed in the social networks and also in this country many people are thinking about how they can help the queers in the East.

Nevertheless, there is one piece of good news. Because a different wind seems to be blowing in Ukraine. At least, it appears that the situation for people who consider themselves part of the community is better in Ukraine. Selenskyj's statement from October 2019 provides particular evidence for this statement. At that time, the president publicly took a stand on the issue. And it is precisely this that may have encouraged many people.

How "LGBTQ" friendly is Ukraine?

What happened. An LGBTQI+ hostile incident at a press conference

President Volodymyr Selensky faced a 14-hour press conference to take office. Hundreds of journalists were able to ask the newly elected president questions about his future term in office.

In the course of this press conference, a journalist wanted to know why Selenskyj did not intend to stop the "Committee 300" program. After all, this would support the "perversity of homosexuality".

To explain: Allegedly, the "Committee 300" is a conspiracy theory. According to it, a small secret group is supposed to influence the global market.

Selenskyj's answer astonished many

Regarding the political content of the issue, Selenskyj expressed that he could not continue the policy of his predecessors because he did not deal with these politicians. Moreover, he referred to the responsibility of the parliament in this regard. With regard to the LGBTQI+ issue, however, the politician then became much more emotional.

His goal is to live in an open society. Here it should be possible for everyone to choose or live out his or her sexual orientation as he (or she) would like.

The fact that many people remind them of Selenskyj's reaction right now is certainly no coincidence

... but rather a small glimmer of hope that shows that there are also people in politics in the Eastern European countries who have a far more liberal image than many might assume.

The situation is - depending on the region and country - often difficult especially for the LGBTQI+ community. In some countries, those who love the same sex, for example, even have to fear for their lives.

Selenskyj seems to think and act in a different direction here - even if the scene described is a press conference from 2019.
However, it will probably be some time before he is able to devote himself again to issues such as the equality of queers. Currently, an end to the war in Ukraine is not yet in sight. Until then, queer refugees can rely on the help of people in Germany. In the course of the last weeks, more and more offers of help, which are explicitly directed at the community, have been launched.

 

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