Wilson Center | Project AROS Lab | Sandbox

    Groups, Events, and Support

    Introduction
    The Issue
    Eastern Europe
    Russo-Ukrainian War
    United States
    Groups Involved

    Here you will find more information and resources regarding LGBT issues in the regions we discussed. It is vital to understand that the people in most of these regions are quite literally fighting for their lives and freedoms. The groups are dedicated to preserving whatever rights LGBT people have left, as well as providing resources and comfort to those who cannot escape persecution. Other events include anti-LGBT legislation and enforcement, as well as support for the cause.

    Map of events that occurred during this research, as well as mapping the information on this page.

    Bosnia & Herzegovina

    1. Kvirhana Festival: 17-19 June, 2022. A queer festival in Sarajevo.
    2. Pride Parade: 8 Sept, 2019. This was Bosnia’s first pride event.
    3. Sarajevski Otvoreni Centar: A NGO that works to promote LGBTI human rights in Bosnia.

    Hungary

    1. LMBTQI Fórum: 11-12 March, 2023. A workshop for LGBT people to network and discuss issues for the LGBT population in Hungary.
    2. Magyar LMBT Szövetség: Hungarian LGBT Alliance. They promote contact and communication between members of the Hungarian LGBT population.

    Poland

    1. Polish Pilgrimage: 17 July, 2020. A religious event for Polish Catholics. Was used to garner support for the anti-LGBT candidate during the 2020 Polish presidential election.
    2. Atlas of Hate: An interactive map of Poland that depicts municipalities and regions that have approved anti-LGBT policies such as the LGBT-free zones.
    3. Ex-Spice Girl Support: 27 December, 2022. Melanie C, an ex-Spice girl, cancelled her New Year’s Eve performance in Poland over their anti-LGBT stance.

    Ukraine

    1. We Are Here: 2 May, 2018. An art exhibition of Ukrainian LGBT veterans of the war in Donbas.
    2. Union of the LGBT Military: A battalion of Ukrainian LGBT servicemembers that are currently fighting against the Russians. Created by Viktor Pylypenko.
    3. March of Equality: 23 June, 2019. First time members of the Union of the LGBT Military marched at Kyiv Pride.

    Russian Federation

    1. The Sphere Foundation: A NGO that focuses on enhancing human rights for LGBT people in Russia and helping them navigate the homophobic country.
    2. Russian LGBT Network: A social movement geared toward helping vulnerable LGBT people. They provide a range of services to support LGBT people and other organizations.
    3. Chechnya: A religious republic within the Russian Federation that, since 2017, has conducted anti-LGBT crackdowns and purges. LGBT people are subjected to torture, rape, physical violence, and even murder.
    4. Rainbow Railroad: A NGO that helps relocate LGBT people from repressive regimes to Canada. They defend human rights and advocate for LGBT rights in these authoritative regions. They also provide resources to those they cannot fully help relocate.