Crisis Compass in Times of War: Promoting the Rights and Well-being of LGBTQ People

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many LGBT activists were forced to flee their homes, escaping the dangers posed by the destructive ideology of the so-called “Russian world.” Historically, LGBT activism in Ukraine has been concentrated in the country’s eastern and southern regions—areas most affected by the war.

The invasion created a dual crisis for the community: the immediate struggle for survival and safety, and the longer-term challenge of preserving visibility and influence. As activists relocated to safer regions, many faced reduced opportunities for advocacy and civic engagement.

LGBT organisations shifted their efforts toward humanitarian aid and psychosocial support for displaced community members, while the broader issue of legal protection remained unresolved. Despite progress in some areas, the Ukrainian state still lacks sufficient measures to ensure the right to respect for private and family life, as guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The European Court of Human Rights ruling in Fedotova and Others v. Russia reaffirmed the obligation of states to provide legal recognition and equal rights to same-sex couples—an obligation Ukraine has yet to fulfil. This gap affects even those serving in the Armed Forces, where LGBT servicemen and servicewomen continue to defend the country without adequate legal protection.

Volodymyr’s project aims to amplify the voices of LGBT people in wartime Ukraine, ensuring that human rights remain central to the national agenda. It provides timely, evidence-based information on the needs of LGBT communities in the humanitarian and social spheres, targeting civil society organisations, public officials, and the international community.

Updates coming soon!