Kyiv, March 29, 2024 - Tetiana, a 32-year-old LGBTIQ+ activist from Odesa, Ukraine, was forced to leave her hometown due to the full-scale war in Ukraine.

She found refuge in Croatia, where she obtained a new profession as a chef thanks to the training program for skill enhancement and/or retraining for LGBTIQ+ individuals organized by the NGO “ALLIANCE.GLOBAL” with the support of UNAIDS.

“Before the war, I worked as a sales manager, but the war changed everything,” Tetiana recalls. “My girlfriend, her 7-year-old daughter, and I left Odessa when it became clear that our lives were in danger.”

Initially, the family settled in Serbia but later moved to Croatia. “Croatia is a sunny country with a wonderful climate,” Tetiana shares. “Here, we feel safe.”

Tetiana had always dreamed of a career in the restaurant industry. “I saw the announcement about the courses by the NGO “ALLIANCE.GLOBAL” and UNAIDS in the LGBTIQ Consortium group @lgbti.consortium on social media and immediately decided to register,” she says.

The training lasted for several months. “It was exciting and dynamic,” Tetiana recalls. “Our instructor, Lesya, is a true professional; she showed and told us a lot.”

 

Thanks to the courses, Tetiana acquired new knowledge and skills and obtained a certificate that helped her find a job. “I work as a chef in a restaurant,” she says. “It’s hard work, but I enjoy it.”

Tetiana dreams of opening her own restaurant in Odess one day. “I believe that the war will end, and we will be able to return home,” she hopes.

“Tetiana’s story is another example of how collaboration and support within the community can change lives. Thanks to partners like UNAIDS, we have the opportunity to help LGBTIQ+ Ukrainians during the prolonged war,” says Vladyslav, an ALLIANCE.GLOBAL and a National LGBTI Consortium spokesperson. “We strive to allow people to acquire new skills, find jobs, and stand independently. Their qualifications and experience gained abroad will be needed in the country’s post-war reconstruction.”

The program for skill enhancement and/or retraining for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Ukraine is implemented by the NGO “ALLIANCE.GLOBAL” with the support of UNAIDS.