Russia initiated their invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2014. when they unlawfully annexed the Crimean peninsula. The conflict escalated to a full-scale war on Feb. 24, 2022. as Russia invaded the entire country, forcing more than 6.8 million people to flee the Ukraine. The majority of those who’ve made it out of the country are women & children. The Ukrainian government barred men aged 18-60 from leaving the country just one day after the conflict intensified.
The possibility of Russia gaining control of Ukraine is even scarier for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians. Russia is infamous for it’s intolerance & discriminatory laws. Although Gay marriage isn’t legal in either country, Ukraine has a history of being more tolerant. Ukraine differs from Russia in allowing Pride celebrations, freedom of speech and freedom of expression. This has motivated the nations LGBTQ+ community to to aid the Ukrainian army, either through donating blood or by joining the armed forces.
LGBTQ+ service members in the Ukrainian army have since the initial invasion in 2014 adopted a unicorn logo that they sow onto their uniforms under their nations flag. The custom began as a response to claims that there weren’t any gay people in the army. LGBTQ+ service members in Ukraine report that their straight colleagues are allies and that there’s a sense of solidarity and understanding within the ranks, according to Reuters.
While the assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty continues, LGBTQ+ Ukrainians inside & outside of Ukraine will need continued support from the international community. As members of the community celebrate Pride across the globe, it’s important to remember how our Ukrainian peers are fighting for their rights, literally.