In a recent sunny day in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Anastasia Domini and her wife, Anna Domini, walked hand in hand, their four children playing nearby. While this scene is ordinary in a country where same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade, it symbolizes a profound transformation for the couple who experienced fear when expressing their love publicly in Russia. Having left their homeland to escape discrimination and the ongoing war with Ukraine, they now join a growing community of LGBTQ+ Russians seeking refuge in Argentina.
Living openly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Russia has become increasingly challenging over the past decade. In December 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that further restricted activities promoting LGBTQ+ rights, leading to a surge in violence against sexual minorities. The Kremlin even portrayed its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as a defense of conservative values against Western advocacy for gay and transgender rights.
The Argentine LGBT Federation has received approximately 130 inquiries from Russians interested in seeking refuge in Argentina, making it the highest number among all nationalities. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has accelerated the decision-making process for many vulnerable individuals. Maribe Sgariglia, who heads the international relations department of the organization, explains that Russians from the LGBTQ+ community, facing discrimination and the horrors of war, see Argentina as a safe haven.
Argentina, a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights, implemented marriage equality in 2010 and subsequently passed a groundbreaking Gender Identity Law, ensuring rights for transgender individuals. These progressive laws have attracted LGBTQ+ Russians, who seek the freedom to live their lives authentically and without fear. The Argentine LGBT Federation reports that at least 34 same-sex couples from Russia got married in Argentina in 2022, with 31 more weddings recorded so far this year.
For many of the Russians who arrive in Argentina, the country was not their initial choice. Mark Boyarsky, a trans man who left Moscow with his family after the invasion of Ukraine, initially tried to secure a British visa by moving to Nepal. When their efforts proved fruitless, they eventually settled in Argentina, where Boyarsky feels safe and at peace. He has yet to disclose his trans identity to his children due to the prevailing belief in Russia that denies the existence of homosexuality.
Despite facing challenges, LGBTQ+ Russians find solace in their newfound freedom in Argentina. In contrast to the constant tension and fear experienced back home, they can now live openly and authentically. While the process of obtaining refugee status may take several years due to increased controls and recent espionage-related incidents, LGBTQ+ Russians embrace the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families in a country that cherishes equality and acceptance.
As the number of LGBTQ+ Russians seeking refuge continues to rise, Argentina stands as a beacon of hope, offering a haven where love and acceptance prevail over discrimination and oppression. The Dominis and many others like them can now relish their status as married couples, free from the constant fear of having their children taken away or facing imprisonment. In Argentina, they have found a place where they can live their lives with dignity and embrace their true identities.
