Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv debuts first LGBT+ veteran hub in Ukraine

The non-governmental organization "Ukrainian LGBT Military" opened the capital's first Ukrainian LGBT+ military veteran hub.

Hromadske reports this.

What is the probem?

LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military in Ukraine are unable to legally establish their relationships due to the absence of marriage equality. As a result, they are overlooked by the government and society, as they are not granted the same rights and opportunities as other citizens.

According to Yakiv Lavrynets, co–organizer of KharkivPride, LGBTQ+ individuals are currently unable to make decisions for their partners in crises, receive access to intensive care, bury them, or inherit joint property upon their death. These are just a few examples of the many things that are denied to LGBTQ+ people, in addition to facing everyday homophobia and discrimination. Despite enduring constant danger, Ukrainian men and women lack legal protection.

However, the potential passing of draft law No.9103 on registered (civil) partnerships could be a major step towards achieving full equality.

Previously, the results of a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) showed that about 70.4% of surveyed Ukrainians believe that LGBT people should have the same rights as the rest of Ukrainian citizens.

What is the solution?

The "Ukrainian LGBT Military" non-governmental organization established the first veteran hub for LGBT+ military personnel in Ukraine.

Its primary goal is to provide a secure environment for LGBT+ veterans, military members, and their partners.

How does it work?

Guests from embassies, veteran communities, and even People's Deputy Inna Sovsun attended the event. As part of the festivities, military personnel and veterans came together for an evening of creativity. One of the highlights was when poet and active servicewoman Yaryna Chornohuz shared her works with the audience.

"This is a very significant event for us, for which we were very well prepared. Once, I could not even imagine that we would have our own veteran space in which we can welcome our guests, friends, and allies, as well as invite deputies and all those people on which our lives and the lives of members of our community depend," Viktor Pylypenko, head of the "Ukrainian LGBT+ Military" organization said. 

He added that at the opening of the hub, an exhibition of openly LGBT military personnel was presented, as well as those who have already died and who did not manage to come out during their lifetime – their faces were hidden in their portraits.

"Their faces are covered to protect them from outings, from possible homophobia, which they did not want to have in their lifetime," Viktor explained.

According to him, the hub will provide psychological and legal support. Sexologists also work here to help soldiers cope with the trauma of war or accept their sexual orientation.

"We are also lobbying for laws necessary for the safety and well-being of our participants. Laws on civil partnerships, laws on increasing responsibility for crimes committed based on intolerance," Pylypenko said.

For reference:

It should be noted that the "March of Equality" took place in Kyiv after a two-year hiatus.

Rubryka also published an article on the subject: "Not only heteros defend Ukraine": how rights of LGBT military are (not) protected".