In the heart of Kyiv, several hundred LGBTQ Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters marched under heavy rain and police protection, demanding equal rights and highlighting their crucial role in the ongoing war with Russia. The event, which took place on a somber Sunday, aimed to draw attention to the lack of legal recognition and rights for LGBTQ individuals in Ukraine, especially those serving in the military.
The servicemembers, many adorned with rainbow and unicorn patches on their uniforms, called on the government to grant them official partnership rights. These rights would allow them to make critical medical decisions for their wounded partners and to have the authority to bury loved ones killed in the conflict. This demand is particularly poignant in a country deeply entrenched in war, where the personal sacrifices of soldiers are immense and ongoing.
“We are ordinary people who are fighting on an equal footing with everyone else but are deprived of the rights that other people have,” said Dmitriy Pavlov, an army soldier who used a cane to walk. His words echoed the sentiments of many in attendance, underscoring the disparity between their contributions to the war effort and the rights they are afforded.
The march, described by organizers as a pride event, lacked the celebratory atmosphere typical of such gatherings. Instead, it was a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. The event’s organizers faced numerous challenges, including city authorities denying a petition to hold the rally at a metro station and condemnation from one of the main branches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Despite these obstacles, the march proceeded, albeit with a heavy police presence to prevent clashes with counterprotesters.
“We need to strengthen our country,” said a soldier attending the counterprotest, identified only by his call sign, “Archy.” He expressed concern that LGBTQ activism could be divisive during a time of national crisis. Others who participated in the counterprotest, which saw participants carrying anti-gay signs and wearing face masks, agreed with this sentiment. These counterprotesters marched to a memorial for fallen soldiers, a stark contrast to the LGBTQ rally’s calls for equality and recognition.
The role of LGBTQ members in the Ukrainian military has been credited with shifting public attitudes toward same-sex partnerships in this socially conservative country. The presence of openly LGBTQ soldiers in the ranks has facilitated conversations and fostered understanding among their comrades. Petro Zherukha, a 28-year-old soldier granted leave to attend the rally, shared that for many of his fellow soldiers, he was the first LGBTQ person they had ever met. “There were a lot of questions, but I think that after we talked a lot … everything became very cool,” he said.
The march’s slogan, “Unite for Equality and Victory,” encapsulated the dual goals of the event: advocating for LGBTQ rights and emphasizing the community’s contributions to Ukraine’s war effort. Anna Sarakhina, Chair of KyivPride, highlighted the importance of the march in increasing Ukraine’s visibility on the international stage and demanding protection for LGBTQ individuals.
Despite the rainy weather and the threat of violence, participants remained resolute. Dina Ivanova, a 27-year-old marcher, articulated the collective resolve: “Even through the attacks, we need to come and show up. We are such a country, such a nation, we don’t give up. If our rights are taken, we fight for them.” Her defiance underscored the broader struggle for equality in Ukraine, especially in contrast to Russia’s severe restrictions on LGBTQ rights.
The event also drew attention from international observers, with staff from the U.S. Embassy and several European embassies in attendance. Denmark’s ambassador, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen noted that protecting minorities is a prerequisite for European Union membership, a goal supported by an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians.
However, the march was not without its challenges. The opposition from counterprotesters, some of whom wore nationalist symbols and shouted homophobic slurs, highlighted the deep divisions within Ukrainian society. Oleksandr Tymoshenko, a member of the Right Sector youth group, insisted that their protest was not against LGBTQ individuals but against the LGBTQ movement “fighting for special rights.”
Despite these tensions, the march proceeded peacefully, with about 500 participants registered for the event. The slogans chanted during the rally reflected the wartime context: “Arm Ukraine Now” and “United towards victory.” These cries underscored the dual fight for national survival and personal rights, a unique intersection of struggle in war-torn Ukraine.
The need for legal reforms to recognize same-sex partnerships remains a critical issue for LGBTQ servicemembers and their partners. As the war with Russia continues, the sacrifices made by these individuals highlight the urgent need for equal rights. “Is that fair, when people are sacrificing their lives? No,” said Marlene Scandal, a drag queen at the rally. Her statement resonates with the broader call for equality and recognition in a country striving to align with European democratic values.
The LGBTQ servicemembers’ march in Kyiv was a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in Ukraine. Amid the backdrop of war, these individuals continue to fight not only for their country but also for their rights. The event highlighted the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ community, even in the face of adversity. As Ukraine continues its journey towards democracy and EU membership, the recognition and protection of LGBTQ rights will remain a crucial aspect of its progress.
