LGBTQ+ communities in the former Soviet Union face a complex and evolving landscape of challenges that vary widely across the region. In countries like Russia, systemic discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda laws have fueled social stigmatization and violence against queer individuals. These laws, which ban so-called “gay propaganda,” effectively suppress LGBTQ+ visibility and hinder advocacy efforts, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression. Public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity are often met with hostility, leaving many to live in secrecy.
The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division will present a Human Rights Speakers Series panel discussion titled “Challenges for LGBTQ+ People in and from the Former Soviet Union.” This free event is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
Special guest panelists include Eugene Maysky of the Coalition for Economic Survival and Tess Feldman of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. LGBTQ+ Russian-speaking asylum seekers will also share their perspectives. The event will be moderated by Councilmember John Heilman.
The discussion will explore the diverse struggles faced by LGBTQ+ communities across the former Soviet Union.
In Georgia and other parts of the Caucasus, a rise in nationalist movements has further marginalized LGBTQ+ people. Activists in these regions frequently face harassment and threats, with little to no government protection. Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Ukraine has added another layer of difficulty for LGBTQ+ communities. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, displaced queer individuals often find themselves in precarious situations, navigating both the risks of war and the challenges of discrimination in shelters and refugee camps.
Amid these struggles, some positive developments have emerged. The Baltic states, particularly Estonia and Lithuania, have made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legal protections and growing public acceptance. In Armenia, grassroots movements are beginning to push back against entrenched conservatism, signaling potential for progress. These pockets of change highlight the resilience of LGBTQ+ activists who continue to advocate for equality despite significant societal and institutional barriers.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals from the former Soviet Union, seeking asylum in countries like the United States offers a chance for safety and freedom. However, the process is often fraught with obstacles, from proving persecution to navigating complex immigration systems. Advocacy groups and organizations provide critical support, yet the journey remains a difficult and uncertain path for many. These challenges underscore the urgent need for international solidarity and action to support LGBTQ+ rights across the region.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 7 p.m. Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session. The event will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
Admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged. Validated parking will be available at the adjacent five-story West Hollywood Park structure, subject to availability. Street parking may also be available, and ridesharing is suggested.
For more information, visit www.weho.org/hrss.
