"Forbidden People"

A new documentary by Nikita Loyk about the lives of Russian-speaking transgender individuals who emigrated to the Netherlands will be released in September 2024.

The film unveils the depth of tragedy faced by transgender individuals, showing how homophobia and cancel culture are devastating their lives, leading to irreversible consequences. This is a truthful and emotional portrayal of those who have become invisible and rejected, even in the most tolerant societies, and of the high price they pay for the right to be themselves in a world that cruelly rejects them.

On November 24, 2022, the Russian State Duma passed a package of bills in the third reading banning the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations." 

On July 24, 2023, a law was passed in Russia banning transgender transition. The law also prohibits those who have undergone a transgender transition from marrying, adopting children, or becoming guardians. 

On November 30, 2023, the Russian Supreme Court declared the "LGBT movement" an extremist organization and banned its activities in the country.

Camiel Welling, Medical Doctor specializing as Sexologist who provides healthcare and hormone support for trans refugees in Amsterdam: "These people are incredibly, catastrophically vulnerable. All these attempts to play another personality, to portray normalcy, always eat you up from the inside. They are used to facing sharp condemnation, sometimes even violence, in healthcare settings. A doctor could label them with a psychiatric diagnosis, ruining their lives. That's why it's so important for us to create an environment where transgender people feel safe."

“Forbidden people” -  is a large-scale documentary that tells the story of transgender individuals who were forced to leave their homeland due to homophobia, discrimination, and threats, and who are now learning to live (and sometimes survive) in a new country.

Each of these individuals’ stories is a real tragedy, especially because transgender people in many Russian-speaking countries have become an entirely marginalized and disenfranchised group.

The film "Forbidden people" was made with the support of the volunteer non-profit organization "LGBT World Beside" (Netherlands).