LGBTQ* in Ukraine: Diversity and resistance during the war/ЛГБТІК в Україні: розмаїття та опір під час війни

Opening of the exhibition " Those tempered at daybreak: LGBTQ+ eyewitness reports of the war in Ukraine"

Russia's imperial war of aggression against Ukraine is aimed not only at controlling territory, but also at destroying Ukrainian identity and any manifestation of a free, democratic society. Russian terror is trying to create unbearable living conditions for the people. But even irretrievable losses, death and suffering could not break the strong social impulse in Ukraine for national unity and patriotic values. Although Ukrainians are exposed to constant mortal danger and indescribable exhaustion, they still manage to keep their country alive and functioning.

Russia is waging a particular ideological battle against sexual minorities. As part of a society that tolerates and values diversity, LGBTIQ people have become the counter-model of Russian propaganda. They have gained visibility and social acceptance in Ukraine, but remain a particularly vulnerable group, as the Russian narrative of "traditional family values" resonates in parts of society and creates a toxic information environment.

The exhibition "Those tempered at daybreak", which opens with this discussion event, tells personal stories of how LGBTIQ people experience the war, how they are involved in  the military or civil society  like many other people, but also how they want to be visible and recognized in their sexual identity.  

A conversation about the specific experiences and vulnerabilities of the LGBTIQ community in war, about the connections between diversity and the resilience of society and about what Europe can learn from Ukraine's experience in the right-wing cultural war against diversity.

With the following guests:

Welcome: Rostyslav Dzundza, Association of positive Ukrainians in Germany „PlusUkrDe e.V.“

Anna Marochkina, Gay Alliance Ukraine, Kyjiw
Galyna Korniienko, KvitneQueer, Berlin
Borys Hrachov, Menschenrechts- und LGBT-Aktivist, Berlin
Ulle Schauws, MdB Bündnis 90/ Die Grünen

Moderation: Johannes Voswinkel, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Ukraine

Contact: Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Anna Lysiak lysiak(@)boell.de

» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin

Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats for this event are limited. If we are at capacity, the conversation will be transmitted via video to other rooms.

» Towards Greater Accessibility
At the Heinrich Böll Foundation, we are constantly striving to remove barriers. Whether in our building, in the release of publications or at online events. All information on this can be found here 

» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via the livestream without registering.
Livestream in Ukrainian
Livestream in German