Amidst Russia’s escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals, a trans woman in Moscow, Mihelina, shares her harrowing experience of living in a city that was once known for its queer-friendly atmosphere. Mihelina, who moved from Georgia to pursue her studies in performative arts and music, now finds herself confronted with slurs and threats on a daily basis. The recent push by President Vladimir Putin’s government to ban gender recognition and trans healthcare has intensified the vulnerability and fear faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia.
The plight of Mihelina echoes the distressing reality faced by many trans people in Moscow and across the country. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government has tightened its grip on LGBTQ+ rights, labeling trans individuals as internal enemies and stripping them of their access to healthcare, legal recognition, and societal participation. This hostile environment has emboldened homophobes and transphobes, fueling a surge in hate incidents and leaving the community increasingly exposed to discrimination and violence.
During a recent outing in a central park, Mihelina and her friend encountered two men who issued a chilling ultimatum, demanding their departure within minutes. Such incidents, coupled with unprovoked verbal abuse, have left Mihelina feeling deeply worried and fearful for her safety. These concerns are further compounded by a new bill seeking to prohibit trans individuals from updating their official gender marker, particularly alarming given Russia’s tightening conscription for the war effort.
In the face of these challenges, Mihelina found solace and support through an LGBTQ+ support group called Queer Svit. The organization, recognizing the urgent need to secure legal recognition for trans people while it is still possible, has been instrumental in assisting individuals like Mihelina. However, the rising demand for their services, with over 500 requests from trans individuals in distress, underscores the escalating anxiety within the community. The impending ban on gender-affirming healthcare and gender recognition poses a grave threat to trans people’s access to employment, medical assistance, gender-affirming therapy, and potentially life-saving surgeries, while also fostering an alarming increase in transphobic incidents and hate crimes.
As Russia’s anti-trans legislation inches closer to becoming law, the LGBTQ+ community faces yet another blow in their ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. President Putin, along with lawmakers and the Russian Orthodox Church, has championed a campaign to preserve what they perceive as the country’s “traditional values.” This relentless pursuit of homogeneity has resulted in tightened restrictions on LGBTQ+ representation in mass media, while queer organizations have been subjected to persecution, and even social media influencers have been arrested. The recent directive from Putin to establish a psychiatric facility to study the “social behavior” of LGBTQ+ people only reinforces concerns that forcible conversion therapy might be on the horizon.
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Mihelina yearns to leave Russia, but her familial obligations and academic pursuits hinder her from doing so. In her pursuit of hope and resilience, music serves as a lifeline, with hyperpop and artists like Arca and Sophie providing solace amidst the turmoil. The looming threat of Russia’s anti-trans legislation hangs heavy over the LGBTQ+ community, with fears of catastrophic consequences and a deep-seated recognition of the profound inhumanity of such a law.
The battle for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia persists, as brave individuals like Mihelina navigate a hostile environment, clinging to hope and support from organizations like Queer Svit. The fight for equality and acceptance in the face of adversity continues, as the international community watches with concern, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ individuals fighting for their rights and dignity in Russia.