Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, where daily life is marked by the constant threat of Russian airstrikes, the country’s LGBTQ+ community continues to fight on two fronts: against the invasion and for their right to equality. Despite the dangers posed by Russian bombs, LGBTQ+ activists in Kharkiv, a city near the Russian border, organized a defiant Pride event in September 2024.
Known as AutoPride, the event involved convoys of cars parading through the streets with messages of solidarity, resilience, and the pursuit of equality. This act of courage not only sent a strong message to Russian forces but also to Ukraine and the international community that LGBTQ+ rights remain a priority even in times of war.
“Together for Equality and Victory”: The Call for LGBTQ+ Rights
“People who are fighting, risking their lives, cannot be denied their rights. It is both unjust and undignified, and the war has only highlighted these challenges,” said Kharkiv Pride Co-organizer Anna Sharyhina during the event. Her words encapsulate the heart of the movement, where the fight for national freedom and individual rights are seen as inextricably linked.
The Pride event, themed “Together for Equality and Victory,” drew attention to legislative gaps in Ukraine’s treatment of LGBTQ+ citizens. Activists at the event called on the Ukrainian government to pass two key pieces of legislation: one that would strengthen accountability for hate crimes (Bill № 5488) and another to introduce registered partnerships (Bill № 9103). These laws, if passed, would mark significant progress for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where equal rights have long been an uphill battle.
Global Solidarity and the Fight for Equality
The event also served as a platform for activists to appeal to international allies. In a press release, Kharkiv Pride organizers urged European countries to support Ukraine by providing modern air defense systems to protect cities like Kharkiv from Russian airstrikes. They also called for the inclusion of underrepresented and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes as part of Ukraine’s recovery efforts. The LGBTQ+ community, which has historically been marginalized, is making sure their voices are not forgotten amid the country’s larger fight for survival.
The Shadow of Loss: Elvira Schemur’s Legacy
This isn’t the first time the LGBTQ+ community has faced direct threats from Russian aggression. In March 2022, an airstrike killed Elvira Schemur, an LGBTQ+ rights activist involved with Kharkiv Pride and Kyiv Pride. Her death underscored the tangible risks faced by those on the front lines of both the military and activist fronts. Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, a transgender American journalist and now a member of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, joined the Ukrainian cause just days after Schemur’s death. Her presence in Kharkiv further highlights the global solidarity within the LGBTQ+ movement, as activists from across the world stand with Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ citizens in their dual battle.
Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ Community: A Symbol of Resistance
The war in Ukraine has in some ways accelerated the push for equal rights within the country. Historically, the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine has faced legal and social challenges, including violence, discrimination, and a lack of legal recognition for same-sex relationships. However, as Ukraine fights for its sovereignty, the LGBTQ+ community’s role in that fight has brought their issues to the forefront. Ukrainian soldiers who identify as LGBTQ+ have gained visibility, and public opinion appears to be shifting in favor of more inclusive policies, even as the country grapples with existential threats from Russia.
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This article was first published on Pulse of Pride.
Feature photo credit: Shutterstock/ rrvachov. The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
