About us - LGBT military

WHO WE ARE

Associations "Ukrainian LGBT military for equal rights" was created in 2018 after Anton Shebetko's exhibition We Were Here. During the exhibition, one of the soldiers, Viktor Pylypenko, made his first full coming out as a combat veteran. Currently, the association has many more open and closeted LGBT military personnel. We unite to gain equal rights with other citizens of Ukraine.

In 2018, our association marched in a separate column at the Equality March organised by KyivPride. The column was led by Viktor Pylypenko and openly lesbian volunteer Nastia Confederate.

Now we are building up our muscles, taking an active part not only in defending our homeland from the Russian occupiers, but also in defending democracy and equality for all Ukrainian citizens.

We invite both closeted LGBT military personnel and those who would like to come out and create democratic changes in Ukrainian society! With the support of the Fulcrum NGO and the Canadian CFLI Foundation, 4 short videos about LGBT military personnel were created. This website and identity were created with the support of the United States Embassy's Democracy Fund.

Equality, Dignity and Freedom

Our association upholds the values proclaimed by the Maidan of Dignity.

Our goal is to achieve equality for LGBT+ community, the right to marriage, a full family, and non-discrimination. Along with defending our rights, we also demand the same rights and inclusiveness for all minorities and groups of law-abiding citizens of Ukraine without exception. It is through the struggle for equality that our society will become more humane, inclusive, overcome hateful prejudice and move closer to the ideals of a free European Ukraine.

We went through the Maidan, we are fighting against Russian invaders and collaborators, we are helping the frontline, and we have the right to the same decent life as the rest of Ukrainians.

Our slogan:
Calling fire on ourselves

What we are fighting for

Family relationships between gay men and lesbians should be recognised as legitimate partnerships.

Marriages concluded abroad should be recognised in Ukraine.

The second partner must be able to be the guardian of the first partner's natural or adopted child.

Families where partners raise three or more children must have the status of large families.

Gays and lesbians should have the right to donate blood and its components.

In domestic unions, both partners should enjoy the right to make non-cash gifts and inherit property from each other.

Marital partners should have the right to make decisions in relation to each other in medical emergencies.

Domestic partners should have rights related to death and burial (the right to dispose of the deceased's body, the right to burial).

Couples who are in a family relationship should be able to adopt children.

Army norms, rules and regulations should become inclusive of LGBT people.

The education system should take into account sexuality education and the diversity of modern family types.

Legislation on bullying, domestic violence and labour relations should take into account LGBT-specific issues.