Kyiv’s First Pride March Since Russian Invasion Cut Short, But Spirit Endures
The first Kyiv Pride march since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine took place under challenging circumstances. According to The Guardian, the event was halted by police after just a few meters due to safety concerns. Despite the rain, several hundred people gathered in central Kyiv at 10 am, waving rainbow flags and carrying banners with messages of unity and peace.
“Glory to the Heroes” and Calls for Equality
Chanting slogans like “glory to the heroes” and “make Russia pay,” the protesters called for stronger legal protections. They demanded a hate crime law, equal marriage rights, and more support for the military. Despite the enthusiasm, the march was cut short. After just ten minutes, police redirected the crowd to the subway due to threats from anti-LGBTQIA+ groups.
“We are here to show that we stand strong, that love and solidarity can thrive even in the darkest times.”
Robert Lutsenko, one of the event’s organisers, explained the constant challenges. “We always face significant opposition and violence in our efforts to organise Pride events,” he said. “Many believe it should not be allowed in Ukraine for us to have rights.” Previous marches have also faced disruptions. In 2015, an attack injured ten marchers and several police officers.
The Kyiv Pride team worked closely with police and local authorities to ensure safety. The event was held near a metro station for quick shelter in case of an air raid, and the location was kept secret until a few hours before the march. Despite these precautions, the threat from conservative groups and ongoing Russian attacks loomed large.
Rising Violence and Discrimination
In 2023, the Nash Svit Center recorded 52 cases of violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Lutsenko noted that 10 cases were reported in just March and April of this year, with many more likely unreported. Kyiv Pride, established in 2012, continues to push for legal reforms to protect against hate crimes and discrimination.
“Basic rights such as protection against hate crimes are still unreachable,” Lutsenko said. “But this Pride is a symbol of our resistance. We are here to show that we stand strong, that love and solidarity can thrive even in the darkest times.”
The Fight for Legal Recognition
A key issue highlighted during the march was the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages. This is particularly important for LGBTQIA+ members of the military, whose partners have no legal rights in case of death or injury. “Our soldiers, risking their lives on the frontlines, deserve rights and recognition,” Lutsenko emphasised.
Ukraine’s lack of LGBTQIA+ rights could hinder its efforts to join the European Union. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has faced criticism for not prioritising equal rights for LGBTQIA+ soldiers, citing legal constraints during wartime. Peter Zherukha, a soldier and author of a petition for same-sex marriage, attended the march, stating, “What I stand for, what I fight for, is for this – it is so important to have the chance to be visible and speak up.”
The Kyiv Pride march, though brief, was a powerful statement of resilience and a call for equality in the face of adversity.
