In an unexpected move, the LGB Alliance, an organization historically known for its opposition to transgender rights, found itself at the center of controversy after expressing solidarity with the trans community in Russia. The tweet, posted on Saturday, condemned Russia’s use of homophobia and transphobia as political tools following recent police raids on queer clubs in Moscow. These actions came in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that labeled LGBTQ+ activism as “extremist.”
“We are horrified by this latest example of Putin weaponising homophobia and transphobia to try and distract from his own failings,” the LGB Alliance stated in their tweet. “We stand in solidarity with the LGB and trans people of Russia who deserve equality under the law.”
This unexpected declaration of support sparked outrage among some of the organization’s supporters. Many took to social media to express their discontent, with some even threatening to unfollow the LGB Alliance. It seemed like a significant departure from the group’s historical stance, which had often excluded transgender individuals from its advocacy.
A Controversial History
The LGB Alliance’s tweet denouncing transphobia in Russia stands in stark contrast to its history. Founded in 2019 by individuals critical of Stonewall’s support for transgender people, the group has consistently opposed trans rights. In 2020, the LGB Alliance sought charity status, sparking a petition with over 44,000 signatures opposing its recognition. Despite legal challenges, the organization was granted charity status in July.
Critics, including trans youth charity Mermaids, argued that the LGB Alliance did not genuinely serve lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals as it claimed, instead excluding trans people. The organization has faced repeated backlash for its views on trans rights, including claims that adding “T” to LGBTQ+ would lead to the acceptance of paraphilias and that the term “queer” is derogatory.
While the LGB Alliance maintains it is not transphobic, its website states that it focuses solely on the issues and priorities of people attracted to the same sex, differentiating them from transgender individuals. This recent declaration of solidarity with the trans community in Russia has raised questions about the organization’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
In a landscape where LGBTQ+ rights are continually evolving and facing challenges worldwide, the LGB Alliance’s shift in rhetoric has left both supporters and critics puzzled and seeking clarity on the organization’s stance moving forward.