LGBTQ+

Since the beginning of the invasion, the participation of LGBTI soldiers to the conflict has highlighted significant inequalities. Partners of deceased LGBTI soldiers find themselves still lacking the right to make decisions about their loved ones’ remains and are ineligible for state support.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv revoked an award given to a prominent LGBTI activist and leader of the LGBTI military association, citing their disapproval of his “sinful preferences and LGBTI agitation.”

In January, the Nash Svit Centre released a report on the social, legal, and political challenges faced by Ukraine’s LGBTI community, noting an increase in openly LGBTI military personnel despite restrictive laws. While most experience tolerance from peers and commanders, cases of homo/transphobic discrimination and violence still occur.

In February, Kharkiv Pride revealed that the advertising firm Megapolis abruptly ceased communication about an LGBTI military support campaign. The campaign intended to feature portraits and stories of LGBTI military personnel on advertising billboards in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

In March a 23-year-old man in occupied Yalta was fined 100,000 rubles (1,000 Euro) under Russia’s “LGBTI propaganda” laws for appearing in women’s clothing at a nightclub, reported Nash Svit Centre.

In March, the Ombudsman’s Office released a guide for public officials and service providers on preventing discrimination, highlighting the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity under Ukraine’s anti-discrimination laws. It outlines obligations to address discrimination against LGBTI people and provides recommendations for fostering equality and inclusive policies.

On May 17, the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting issued a statement for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, emphasising the importance of upholding principles of equality and non-discrimination in the media.

In December, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Bill 11456, amending Ukraine’s law “On Free Legal Aid” to include victims of hate crimes based on factors like race, religion, and disability but notably excluding sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite appeals from Gender Stream and other human rights organisations to address this omission, the bill, criticised for neglecting LGBTI rights and violating European Commission recommendations, was adopted in just 13 minutes.