ukraine
Fearless Ukraine activist Olena Shevchenko named Woman of the Year
Olena Shevchenko, a Ukrainian activist fighting for LGBT and women’s rights during the Russian invasion, has been named Woman of the Year by TIME Magazine. Every year, the publication selects a dozen female leaders who’ve made huge contributions in the fight for human rights. In Kyiv, Olena co-founded the non-profit Insight in 2017 to support …
Threats to Swiss paper Neue Zurcher Zeitung over Putin meme
Russia’s Swiss Embassy has threatened to contact law enforcement agencies over a Vladimir Putin meme published by the newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung. In June, the newspaper published an online article about wartime memes. The article included images sourced from social media. Two in particular aroused Russian ire. One shows Vladimir Putin wearing not only a …
As war rages, thousands petition for same-sex marriage in Ukraine
A petition calling for Ukraine to legalise same-sex marriage amid the Russian invasion will be considered by president Volodymyr Zelensky. Currently, while same-sex relationships are not criminalised in Ukraine, the country has a poor LGBTIQ+ rights record. Same-sex marriages nor civil partnerships aren’t recognised, meaning same-sex partners don’t have certain rights, such as co-ownership of …
Finnish PM defying homophobic Putin has two mums
Dying or not, poor little rich man Vladimir Putin can’t take a trick. His invasion of Ukraine turned out not the stroll in the park he apparently anticipated. And his aggressive warmongering united much of the world against him. Now traditionally neutral Sweden and Finland are set to join NATO. Even worse for the bigoted …
10th Annual Kyiv Pride goes ahead – in Warsaw
Ukraine’s largest LGBTIQA+ event, the annual Kyiv Pride Parade went ahead last night — in the neighbouring country of Poland. Warsaw Pride invited Kyiv Pride to lead their parade through the Polish capital. About 300 LGBTIQA+ Ukrainians travelled to Warsaw for the event. Ukrainian flags fluttered alongside rainbow flags at the head of the combined …
Designed in Battle: supporting queer Ukrainian soldiers
100% of profits from porn studio Treasure Island Media’s new clothing range support queer Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the front lines. Designed in Battle apparel features the secret/not-so-secret-now symbol of the Achilles Brotherhood. Treasure Island Media donate the profits to a Ukrainian gay military group for the purchase of medical supplies. In 2018, openly gay …
Pussy Riot couple escape Russia disguised as couriers
Partners and Pussy Riot activists Lucy Shtein and Masha Alyokhina have both escaped Russia. Lucy Shtein fled to Lithuania on March 31 and Masha Alyokhina followed about a month later. They evaded Russian police by dressing in large bright green delivery suits. Pussy Riot first came to world attention in 2012. Masha Alyokhina and four …
Ukraine sails into Eurovision finals
As the 2022 Eurovision semi-finals kicked off today Ukraine has made their way into the finals of the competition. Their upbeat track Stefania is widely tipped as the entry to take out the 2022 Eurovision crown. As he prepares for the semi-finals on Friday Australia’s Sheldon Riley has praised their entry. Will Ukraine win Eurovision …
Ukrainian activist Elya Shchemur killed by Russian bombs
Ukraine Pride organisations and members are mourning activist Elya Shchemur, killed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Elya Shchemur, known to friends as Elvira, studied law before the Russian invasion. She was also a prominent member of the local Pride organisation in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. At the beginning of the Russian invasion, she volunteered …
Australia urged to accept Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ refugees
National lobby and advocacy group Just.Equal Australia wrote to Immigration Minister Alex Hawke last week urging him to accept Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ refugees. Previously, a US diplomat warned of a Russian kill list that includes LGBTIQ+ community members. Many Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ community members remain in the country following the Russian invasion. Some enlisted in the Ukrainian …
