Ukraine is confidently marching towards European integration, which means not only economic and political reforms but also changes in the sphere of human rights protection, particularly the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Although there are no direct mentions of LGBTIQ+ initiatives in the government’s plans for 2024 (much to our chagrin), experts see opportunities for promoting equality in many of the planned steps “under the umbrella” of broader initiatives.

As Sviatoslav Sheremet, the coordinator of policy and legislation at the National LGBT Consortium of Ukraine, points out, the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the EU acquis (i.e., EU law) involves introducing the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This should occur across the board, in all spheres of life, as the principle of comprehensive protection against discrimination is fundamental to the European Union.

One of the important points is the approval of the Demographic Development Strategy. It provides for a series of initiatives to support the birth rate, including the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). According to Sheremet, the right to have a child is a natural right of any person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the current regulation of access to ART in Ukraine is discriminatory.

The issue of parenthood and adoption in LGBTIQ+ families deserve special attention. Research shows that over 70% of LGBT people in Ukraine want to have children. For many, the so-called “social kinship,” i.e., adoption, is acceptable. However, same-sex couples cannot do this due to legislative restrictions. Individual adoption by a single gay person is possible, but adoption by a gay couple is not. Where is the logic in that, considering that one of the men from a gay couple can freely be an adopter?

He adds that a partial solution to this issue may be the adoption of the law on civil partnerships (No. 9103), which is currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.

In general, the expert community pins its hopes on a series of “small steps” by the government, which together can lead to significant changes for LGBTIQ+ people. These include improving anti-discrimination legislation, modernising the regulation of ART, and gradually breaking the taboo on the topic of same-sex families and parenthood.

As Oksana Filipishina from the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union aptly sums it up:

The Ukrainian government seems to be starting to understand this. And although there are no high-profile initiatives for LGBTIQ+ in the plans for 2024, there is much “between the lines.” It remains to be hoped that these plans will become a reality and that Ukraine will move a step closer to true equality.

Of course, there are still many challenges ahead. Will the government have the political will to implement what is planned? Is Ukrainian society ready for an open discussion about LGBTIQ+ rights? Will activists and experts be able to achieve real change?

The answers to these questions depend on each of us. On the people in power who make decisions. On civil society organisations that defend human rights. On journalists who shape the agenda. And on ordinary citizens who create the atmosphere in society through their daily actions.

Ukraine has made its European choice. And this means that we must build a country of equal opportunities for all. Where everyone can be themselves and feel safe. And where love and the desire to start a family will not be limited by outdated stereotypes.

2024 has the potential to be a year of small steps leading to a big goal. However, let’s not forget that a third of this year is already behind us. The time for change is now.