The world celebrates the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on 17 May. This day is an opportunity to remember the importance of equality for the LGBTI community and to estimate the equality situation in different countries. Ukraine, on the path of European integration, makes human rights a domestic policy priority. Human rights for LGBTI people are an inalienable part of human rights as such.

According to Svyatoslav Sheremet, an expert at the National LGBTI Consortium, 2022 was a year of change in public attitudes: most of the general adult population supports LGBTI equality. Characteristics of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) are essential characteristics of a person. They are considered grounds for protection against discrimination in Ukraine. The State of Ukraine has consistently introduced SOGI into its legislation.

At the same time, homophobia is a specific feature of the ‘russian world.’ Representatives of the russian regime justified the attack on Ukraine by claiming they were “protecting Donbas from gay pride parades.” The fight against homophobia is part of the fight against russian aggression. Our values are diversity and freedom. We accept the otherness of others, even if we do not like it. You can be Ukrainian, LGBTI, a soldier, or a patriot – these are organically combined.

Sviatoslav Sheremet also noted that Ukraine is ranked 39th out of 49 European countries regarding LGBTI equality (see https://rainbow-europe.org/country-ranking). As a country, we have much to do to meet high human rights standards. The main tasks for the country in the next year, before the next Equality Index is published in 2024, are:

 

1. Civil partnership for LGBTI people.
2. Protection against intolerance crimes.
3. Strengthening of anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

Government institutions are working based on sensitivity to LGBTI issues, working with LGBTI organizations to strengthen Ukraine, defeat geopolitical narratives, and move steadily towards the EU.

We call on all Ukrainians to show their solidarity with the LGBTI community and join the celebration of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Let it be a day of love, peace, and understanding. But most of all, let it be a day of victory over racism and all that goes with it.