According to various estimates, LGBT+ people are between 5 and 10% – in any society. February is the time when LGBT+ History Month is celebrated around the world, honoring the history, culture, and achievements of the LGBT+ community. But it is not only an occasion to celebrate progress, but also to draw attention to future challenges and goals. The Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region has historically been dominated by conservative views on sexual orientation and gender identity. Therefore, for many years LGBT+ communities have faced discrimination, violence, and denial of their rights. The difficulties are accompanied by legislative and political restrictions that limit the rights and freedoms of these groups. As well as, growing anti-LGBT+ sentiment, xenophobia, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. VirusOff emphasizes that the safety and security of LGBT+ people remain crucial aspects of the fight for their rights.
Despite some improvements in legislation, many EECA countries still do not sufficiently protect the rights of LGBT+ citizens. The most challenging situation among the countries in the region remains in Russia, where on November 30, 2023, the Supreme Court recognized an “international LGBT social movement” as “extremist.” According to the law on extremist organizations, the demonstration of symbols, participation in organizations, financing of their activities, and distribution of LGBTQ materials are prohibited. And the Media Rights Center recommends avoiding any recognizable signs – primarily the rainbow flag and pink triangle. Many representatives of the LGBTQ+ community have left the country or are considering doing so.
There is no public discussion of LGBT+ issues in Tajikistan. Decriminalization of same-sex relationships occurred in the country in 1998, and the same age of sexual consent was officially established for both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. However, the legislation does not protect LGBT+ persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The state does not recognize transgenderism, and people are denied access to medical services and are forced to seek gender reassignment surgery abroad. Even though the legislation provides for the possibility of changing gender in documents if there is an officially approved document from a medical institution, such documents are not officially issued, making it impossible to change passport gender. Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality, same-sex relationships are still considered a crime. Law enforcement officials often detain “suspects” for several days, and members of the LGBT+ community are subjected to humiliation, blackmail, and extortion.
Ukraine also faces many challenges in ensuring rights and support for the LGBT+ movement. The war has created new challenges for Ukrainian LGBT+ individuals. Transgender and intersex women are still often identified as men in documents, resulting in a denial of exit from Ukraine or their detention within the country due to martial law and the mobilization of men between the ages of 18 and 60. In March 2023, a bill was introduced in the Verkhovna Rada to register civil partnerships for both homosexual and heterosexual couples. The adoption of this law is particularly important for those serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Currently, only heterosexual couples, one of whose members serves in the AFU, can remotely apply for marriage. However, the Family Code of Ukraine provides for marriage only between a man and a woman, while many LGBT+ people serve in the AFU. The adoption of the civil partnership bill aims to address the concerns of these individuals, among other things.
LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues facing LGBT+ people, as much as it is an opportunity to celebrate their history and accomplishments. It is also a time to come together to fight for equal rights and opportunities for all. It is worth remembering that action must continue at all levels, from local communities to the international arena, to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.