After the collapse of the Soviet Union, new possibilities emerged for LGBT+ individuals to participate in international discourses and movements, but the question remains whether such engagements are compatible with local political contexts. This article explores how queer activists from Russia and Ukraine negotiate their involvement in global networks while maintaining awareness of social norms that shape their communities' understanding of gender identity and sexuality.
The post-Soviet space is characterized by widespread homophobia, transphobia, and heteronormative values. Russian law prohibits public discussion of "nontraditional" relationships, while Ukrainian legislation criminalizes same-sex marriage and the promotion of non-heterosexual lifestyles to minors. Despite these barriers, many activists have engaged with Western organizations through online platforms and conferences, forming connections with other queer people across borders.
This can create tensions between local and foreign perspectives, as they often differ in terms of power dynamics and priorities.
Some Russian activists criticize Western advocacy groups for focusing too much on "Western values", rather than addressing specific concerns in their own regions. Others argue that Russian authorities exploit these differences to justify anti-LGBT+ policies, portraying international groups as a threat to national sovereignty. To navigate these complexities, some activists emphasize solidarity among all marginalized communities, including migrants and ethnic minorities.
In Ukraine, meanwhile, activists are more likely to frame their work in terms of human rights, drawing attention to police violence and discrimination in education and employment. They also seek partnerships with feminist movements to highlight shared struggles against patriarchy. Some point out that these links can be strengthened by challenging stereotypes about the East/West divide and promoting intersectional approaches to social justice.
Post-Soviet queer activism is shaped by the challenge of balancing global engagement with local realities. By recognizing the diversity within their movements, activists can build alliances and strategies that respond to different political contexts while advancing shared goals.
How do post-Soviet queer activists balance engagement with international networks and local sociopolitical realities?
Post-Soviet queer activists must consider how their individual identities fit within larger social and political structures as they navigate both local and global contexts. They may face challenges that prevent them from fully participating in both communities simultaneously, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and different understandings of sexuality and gender identity.