Yulia and Tetiana, a Ukrainian couple who fled the war with Russia, have realized their long-awaited dream of getting married. Same-sex marriage and civil partnerships are not recognized in Ukraine, so the couple traveled to Derbyshire, England, where they exchanged vows at the Ripley Town Hall in March. The couple, who have been together for ten years, had planned their wedding for years, but the war in their homeland prevented them from doing so. The wedding was an intimate affair, with only their closest friends in attendance, and the couple donned matching t-shirts for the occasion.
After their arrival in the UK, the couple settled with their hosts, Helen and Sarah, before moving into a new rented home in Belper. Yulia works part-time at a college, while Tetiana hopes to pursue her career in the UK. The couple’s wedding was a much-needed celebration in the face of the difficult circumstances they have faced.
For many LGBT individuals in Russia and Ukraine, the only possibility of getting married is to go abroad. The couple hopes to eventually return to their homeland, but for now, they plan to donate money to Ukraine’s war effort. Despite the challenges they have faced, Yulia and Tetiana’s love story is a reminder that love transcends borders, war, and discrimination.
The wedding has been a testament to the power of love and the struggles that the LGBT community continues to face in many parts of the world. The couple’s story highlights the importance of fighting for equal rights and recognition of same-sex partnerships in Ukraine and other countries where it is not yet recognized. Their wedding has been a moment of hope and inspiration for many, and a reminder that love knows no boundaries.