Today, we'd like to share two stories that showcase the power of resilience and community empathy.

Sofia, a young woman from occupied Mariupol, took the plunge and left everything behind, searching for a better life. With minimal luggage but a burning desire to change her fate, she braved Russian checkpoints on her way to Kyiv.

“I realised staying in Mariupol was no longer an option. Leaving everything you know behind is terrifying, but I was between a rock and a hard place,” Sofia recalls.

Having escaped occupation, she immediately caught a train to Odesa. At first, Sofia was at sixes and sevens trying to find accommodation until she stumbled upon information about LIGA’s shelter in Odesa.

“When I first crossed the threshold of the shelter, I felt an incredible sense of relief. The spacious, warm room became a symbol of my fresh start,” she shares.

Actively job hunting, she eventually landed a position at a brilliant company she’d always dreamed of.

“The work was challenging, but thanks to supportive colleagues and understanding management, I quickly found my feet. For the first time in ages, I felt my life was back on track,” Sofia explains.

Over time, she began to feel at home in her new city. She made friends and started participating in local events and professional development courses.

“I never thought I’d adapt to a new life so quickly. The support I received at the shelter was invaluable. Now I’m renting my own flat and I realise that courage and determination helped me turn over a new leaf,” Sofia concludes.

The story of Angel, a transgender lad from occupied Crimea, was equally challenging. For a long time, he lived in constant fear and despair.

“I knew that in Crimea, there was no chance of living freely and openly. The decision to leave was difficult, but necessary,” Angel recounts.

With a few large bags and his cat, he crossed the border and eventually made it to Kyiv. However, the reality there was harsh.

“Kyiv was incredibly tough. I faced indifference and mistrust. At first, I bounced from one cheap hostel to another, desperately trying to find permanent housing,” the young man remembers.

Job hunting was no walk in the park either. After numerous rejections and contemptuous looks, Angel found a position in a café where he wasn’t taken seriously.

“The staff were cold and even hostile, and the management made no bones about their disdain. I felt lonely and unwanted,” Angel shares.

Despite all the hardships, Angel didn’t throw in the towel. He began seeking support from the local LGBTIQ+ community and found people willing to lend a hand. After moving to Odesa, he settled into our shelter.

Gradually, he began to regain his strength and faith in the future. After all his trials, Angel found a fantastic job in a bar.

“Now I work in a place where everyone is incredibly friendly and kind. Life has started to look up and move in a positive direction. I’ve realised that the fight to be yourself is a long and difficult journey, but I’m ready to see it through to the end,” Angel concludes.

These two inspiring stories highlight the crucial importance of safe spaces for the LGBTIQ+ community. We’re pleased to remind you that the Odesa branch of LGBT Association “LIGA” continues to accept applications for accommodation in the shelter for LGBTIQ+ individuals. The shelter offers:

• Short-term stays of up to two weeks for those planning to move on
• Long-term accommodation for up to three months for those planning to settle in Odesa

If you need shelter, fill out the application form at this link: https://linktr.ee/lgbti.consortium

Every story deserves a happy beginning. Could yours be next?