SEARCH RESULTS

On April 14, 2024, another Spelletjesdag (Games Day) took place in Amsterdam for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees from post-Soviet countries. More than 60 people participated in this event, which lasted about five hours and included an information session, a quiz game, and a game called “Weerwolven.” Oranje Fonds and Het Blauwe Fonds finance this series of events. The representatives of Het Blauwe Fonds, Ibrahim Cirak and Bas Meeuwsen, visited the event and were impressed by the degree to which participants were engaged during the information session. The informational session covered various aspects of STDs and the Dutch healthcare system. The speaker was Alexandra Volgina , a political activist from Russia who lives and works in the Netherlands. The session was very lively and interactive, with about 50 people participating. It’s no surprise that the session lasted much longer than expected, extending to 2.5 hours. Participants asked the organizers to invite Alexandra to the next Spelletjesdag event to coordinate another information session covering the same topic. The session began with introductions, where each attendee introduced themselves and briefly shared their personal experience with the healthcare system in the Netherlands. Then, after summarizing the initial feedback, it was clarified that there are indeed more positive aspects in the healthcare system. Alexandra, together with the audience, discussed the issue of HIV prevention and chronic viral hepatitis, as well as the peculiarities of receiving therapy for these diseases. The consensus was that accessing such therapy poses no significant difficulties in The Netherlands. The issue of drug use and abuse was also discussed. While almost everyone was aware of the twelve-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous, few attendees knew that no database in the Netherlands registers those who use drugs (in Post-Soviet countries, this is a common practice that causes considerable problems, stigma and discrimination for many people). Alexandra emphasized that HIV-positive individuals, as well as those infected with hepatitis viruses (B, C, etc.), are not outcasts for the healthcare system of the Netherlands but rather “ordinary, normal” patients. The next Spelletjesdag event will take place on May 11, 2024, and Alexandra will again coordinate the information session.

The immigration process is notoriously tough. The anxiety-inducing waiting times, existential uncertainties, and the deep loneliness that haunts applicants in immigration camps as they await the court’s final decision is all but simple. To have a higher chance of being eligible for asylum in the EU, applicants are first assessed based on their country of origin. Most EU countries maintain a list of "safe countries of origin," and applications from these places are almost always ineligible.    A list like that, of course, cannot account for all the extraordinary circumstances that may push someone to apply for asylum. For example, a country may be deemed safe overall, but internal social issues may make living in that country unsafe for specific groups of people.    One of the countries that faces this particular dilemma is Armenia. Countries  such as France, Austria, and the Netherlands 1  consider Armenia to be a safe country of origin, making it nearly impossible for its citizens to apply for asylum. This is an issue that particularly strikes a chord with the local LGBTQ+ community. Although Armenia has officially decriminalized homosexuality in 2003 , this minimal step—without legalizing gay marriage or providing accessible transgender healthcare—suggests that openly queer people are at the very least, safe from punity.     Unfortunately, the situation for the local queer population is more complicated than that. Armenia has repeatedly failed  to enact anti-discrimination laws that specifically protect LGBTQ+ individuals. In a country where queerphobia is rampant, queer individuals are unable to live their authentic lives and remain to be a vulnerable group.     The ambivalent legal situation pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community in Armenia complicates the assessment of crimes against queer individuals. Many targeted violations are not classified as hate crimes, which erases a potential systemic issue.   To gain a better understanding of it all, it is essential to look beyond the paperwork and listen to the lived experiences of queer people in the country.       Tegran, who has been living in Armenia for the past a year and a half, graciously shared her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a volunteer for queer NGOs like Pink Armenia and DiverCity. She recounts all the extra security measures that queer NGOs take to ensure the safety of their volunteers and attendees. It is forbidden to stay in the office with less than two people present, and everyone must leave before the sun sets. When organizing public events, the location is sent out privately to the guests in case anyone who wishes to do harm upon queer people is looking. Tegran’s stories made it increasingly clear that a large portion of harassment that queer people face arises from private people and groups. Specifically, there are non-centralized groups that use their Telegram channels to doxx queer individuals by sharing their photos, disclosing their sexuality and encouraging hate towards them. Tegran tells that this type of online harassment lead to two suicides last year.     One of the cases highlighted in the 2023 report  on LGBTQ+ rights violations published by Pink Armenia recounts the tragic story of a 17-year-old who took his own life after his personal information, photos, and sexual orientation were disseminated by a Telegram channel. The child was already suffering from domestic abuse for his sexuality and unmasculine appearance, but after the circulation of the photos through Telegram, the parents evicted him and he was subsequently fired from his job.     And the report is full of cases like this, telling a similar story of a family member subjecting the victim to verbal, psychological, and physical abuse. The victims are kicked, beaten with a belt, or, in some cases, threatened by a knife. Oftentimes, family members would disclose their intentions to harm or even kill the victim, their friends, and partners. Some victims have been forcibly confined within their homes, with reports of parents confiscating their documents, money, and physically locking them inside their rooms.    The concerning number of domestic abuse cases demonstrates the extent to which the negative outlook towards queer people permeates Armenian society. It penetrates into the home, severing familial bonds and creating an unsafe environment for the victims. Tegran mentions that, just as it was in the case of the 17 year old, a common result of parents finding out about their children’s sexuality is kicking them out, leaving them to live on the streets and potentially take up a dangerous profession such as prostitution.     The dangers outside can be just as severe as those within abusive homes. The report has cited a great deal of cases where individuals were targeted simply for their unconventional look. Victims often found themselves being followed, threatened, or even physically assaulted. One incident describes a man pursuing a victim into the subway and ultimately punching them due to their gender non-conforming appearance. Similarly, the report describes a situation where a transgender woman and her partner endured verbal and physical harassment by a group of men due to their gender and sexual identity. The assailants hurled hateful insults and threw glass bottles at the victims. Tegran also recounted several personal experiences of street harassment, including derogatory comments for wearing a skirt and instances of physical threats and altercations. She tells of an incident where she managed to escape a group of homophobes attempting to attack her, but her friend unfortunately suffered a broken nose after being assaulted for wearing an earring.    Numerous cases in the report concluded with the victim either refusing to report the crime or withdrawing from the proceedings. Tegran explained that there is a wide mistrust in the police and the justice system among queer people. She noted that more often than not, the police will dismiss a queer person’s case due to their own homophobia. But even if a case is accepted, it is unlikely to result in any justice. Experiences like these can be physically and morally draining, and even traumatic. The negligence of the police becomes one of the mechanisms to ostracize queer people by  discouraging them from contacting the authorities to seek justice and live their lives safely.    The careless attitude of the law enforcement is not the only hurdle to the safety of LGBTQ+ people. In fact, the police themselves are often the perpetrators of the abuse against queer individuals. Tegran tells a story of being harassed by the police for wearing a rainbow pride flag at a protest. Although the police were present to ensure the safety of the protest, they made it clear that not everyone deserves to be protected. Luckily, Tegran managed to leave the situation unscathed. But that is not always the case. The report presents an alarming number of cases where the police mocks the victim, invades their privacy by looking through their phones, holds them in custody for unfounded reasons, harasses them through sexually inappropriate comments, and sometimes even threatening rape. One case recites an unwarranted arrest of a lesbian woman after a group of masked officers raided a club known for its LGBTQ+ and alternative clientele. While the raid was conducted due to a suspected drug sale, the officers, upon learning of the victim’s sexuality, went through her phone and read her private conversations with her partner. The police then sexually harassed the victim by asking her explicit questions about her sex life. In a similar vein, a gay man was harassed by two patrol officers when walking on the street. His feminine appearance was an indicator of his sexuality, and the police threatened rape to the man by remarking that they wanted to fuck him.     After experiencing such incidents, or even hearing about them, it is clear why the queer community is wary of the police. How can anyone expect to be protected by law enforcement when they are the ones from whom protection is needed? This behavior from the police creates a self-feeding cycle in that in order to report this abuse, the victim must deal with the police again. Tegran also notes that in attempts to investigate the police, the victims could put a target on their back due to the high corruption rates in the Armenian law enforcement. This could result in the victim getting threatened or even killed.     In addition to the mistrust of the police, the judicial system fails to inspire confidence as well. The report describes a case of a gay man filing a complaint after he was beaten by his family members. The case was eventually dismissed on the grounds that the family members believed that they were curing him of a “sick phenomenon”. The report warns that such negligence of the state results in the victims being discouraged to seek help if they fall victim to another crime. Tegran confirms, saying that queerphobia exists on all institutional, educational, and even medical levels, making it harder to access appropriate help. Queer people are at risk of ridicule or even harassment from state agents, and there are no laws in place that would protect queer people from such treatment.       All of this can have a profound effect of marginalizing queer people. Besides the psychological isolation of having to choose between denying a core part of your existence and living your life safely, the dangers that LGBTQ+ individuals face also contributes to social isolation. People may avoid going certain places or expressing certain identity markers for other queer people to identify with. Tegran explains that it is already hard to find a community for queer people, especially those who are newly in the city (Yerevan) or freshly out of the closet. She explains that there are no openly public spaces for queer people to go and meet other queer people, so it can be a daunting task to even start searching for a community. Many people are also, she says, simply afraid of looking for these places and communities as they risk being outed and harassed.        It appears that the failure of the state to enact protective laws for LGBTQ+ individuals is not simply an oversight, but a part of a mechanism which serves to continue marginalizing sexual minorities. Queer people are often left in vulnerable situations, which can result in them living in precarious conditions and thus prevents them from living a healthy life. In the face of such issues, the decriminalization of homosexuality reads as a farce. Queer people are still punished for who they are. The threads of various apparatuses—social, legal, and medical—weave together a tapestry of repression that continually pushes queer individuals into the margins.       LGBTQ+ Armenians face additional challenges in their chances of immigration due to the decriminalization of homosexuality in the penal code. However, as we have seen, lived experiences reveal that law enforcement circumvents this change, creating an unsafe environment for queer people. Queer Armenians are caught in a limbo, unprotected by their own state and marginalized in their society, yet not 'marginalized enough' to qualify for asylum.

Overcoming Barriers. Episode 1. In this episode of the podcast, we are going to share an inspiring story of Olya, a transwoman from Voronezh who has discovered a new life in the Netherlands. Olya is going to recount her childhood memories and moments of self-realization, as well as the challenges she had faced in Russia because of the transphobic laws and pressure from her relatives.  We are going to discuss her first steps in the Netherlands, her adaptation to a new country, and the difficulties linked to the local healthcare system. Olya will talk about her experiences with local healthcare providers, issues with hormone treatments, and how she is coping with challenges, while searching for support within the local community.  Olya will share with us her message to the trans community, explain why participating in this podcast means a lot to her, and what are the actual hopes she would like to pass on to others.  At the end of the episode, we are going to learn about Olya’s dreams for the future, her plans to stay in the Netherlands and find a job that would bring her satisfaction. Olya will discuss the steps she is undertaking towards achieving her goals and the vision for her future in this new for her country.  Join us to hear Olya’s story, full of challenges, resilience, and hope.  Context:  In Russia, a set of provisions for the administrative and criminal prosecution of LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations, which state authorities can apply at their discretion, has been established. Law enforcement agencies explicitly refer to the Russian Federation Supreme Court decision of November 30, 2023, which has classified activities by LGBTQ+support organizations as extremist, in order to justify the conduction of unscheduled inspections (raids) and arrests. Following the enactment of the Supreme Court decision, it has turned out clear that LGBTQ+ individuals cannot seek judicial protection, except in rare cases where law enforcement agencies make obvious mistakes when drafting detention reports.      In 2023, transgender individuals became the most vulnerable group following the peak of discrimination based on gender identity in Russia. Psychological pressure and transphobia persist to such extent that those vulnerable groups may find themselves unable to cope with aggravated traumatic experiences, potentially resorting to the most desperate measures in their lives.  On January 31, 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation officially suspended the plan to implement ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision), claiming that parts of the disease classification allegedly contradict traditional moral and spiritual values in Russia. Specifically, earlier amendments were made to ban the provision of medical assistance for gender affirmative therapy within Russia, including surgical interventions and hormonal substitution therapy. Additionally, on July 1, 2023, a decree from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation came into force, which now requires sexologists in state psychiatric hospitals and psychoneurological clinics to provide "primary specialized medical care to individuals suffering from mental disorders related to sexual development and orientation, sexual identity disorders, and sexual preferences." This is clearly aimed at restricting access to medical care for LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia.     Transcript of the Episode:   Adam (Interviewer):  Hello everyone. Hi, Olya. Today we have the first episode of our podcast. Our guest today is Olya.  Olya (Guest):  Hi, Adam.  Adam:  It's very nice to meet you. We have never met before. I'm very interested in hearing your story. Tell us a little about your childhood.  Olya:  Actually, I grew up in a small town. I recently found out to my horror that it used to have a population of 90,000, but then it ended up being only 30,000 people. The town’s name is Gubkin in the Belgorod region. It's a mining town, eternally stuck in the '90s. Troubled schools, but I actually had a relatively happy childhood, except for the extensive bullying in schools. Here's some good news from a few months ago. My classmates, who hadn't seen me in 10 years and who brutally bullied me in school, contacted me. I found out that they all work in the mines. They were very cruel, sorry.  Adam:  I also used to live in a small town with a population of 50,000. I don't know how many people are living there now, but I am very happy with where I am now. And where we are now together.  Adam:  When did you realize that you didn't fit into the framework of Russian society?  Olya:  I fit in quite well until my society found out about it. Actually, I started my transition quite late, at 24 years old. Before that, being gay in Russia was actually pretty cool; it's this perpetual party atmosphere. You probably know what I mean. You always have a bunch of friends, you can always visit them. They are always in some tense relationships with each other. It's like a small Game of Thrones, but with your friends.  Olya:  The problems started probably when I began my transition. And even then, not right away, only when they started pushing homophobia and transphobia very actively on television, and that started affecting people.  Adam:  And when did you feel this intensification the most?  Olya:  Actually, it intensified more when relations with all Western countries finally broke down, at the start of the war in Ukraine. Before that, it was quieter, though I also faced issues at my university. I had problems because of it, but before that, it was just the initiatives of idiots, and then it became some kind of mass hysteria like "dog distemper."  Adam:  Being gay in Russia is one thing, but being a trans person is a completely different experience, related to gender dysphoria.  Olya:  Yes, yes, dysphoria.  Adam:  Because I'm not very familiar with these issues either. And you are probably the first transgender person I know, right?  Olya:  Yes, probably right. I'm not very familiar with the terminology. This is just my life.  Adam:  Do you remember the moment when you started feeling uncomfortable in your own body?  Olya:  The first time it happened when I was about six years old, when I was vividly explained the difference between boys and girls. After that, I took scissors and went to the bathroom to fix it. Fortunately, nothing happened. Yes, I had an attempt at severe self-harm because it was explained to me in a rather harsh way what the difference between boys and girls was. Well, nothing came of it, fortunately. Then it somehow subsided; it was just hard to fit into society because, for example, I didn't like that boys were rough. It absolutely didn’t appeal to me. Among them, teasing was normal, but I felt like crying. And my interests were always a bit different. I had one friend, in high school. In high school, the girls would spit at me.  Olya:  It’s a rather complex explanation. The moment you start your transition, you only then realize how much it had weighed on you before because it's your innate experience. You know, it's probably like people without an arm. It’s hard to explain to the others that having two arms is a bit different; they don't feel deprived because they have grown up that way. You grow up not feeling the pressure, but then when you start the transition, it suddenly releases and then hits hard. It hits you with full force because it turns out, for example, that you're not afraid of people. You're afraid that people see you as a man. You’re not afraid of public speaking; you're afraid of being misgendered. It’s a subconscious fear that you can't control. It's just stress.  Adam:  Let’s talk more about your reasons for moving. When and why did you decide to move to the Netherlands?  Olya:  I decided that I had to leave the moment I found out that it was actually possible because it was clear to me that my already quite homophobic family would not accept my transition. They knew about it but preferred to pretend it wasn't serious. And when they started banning gender marker changes in passports in Russia, I knew I had to go.  Adam:  Did that (the passing of the transphobic law - editor's note) happen recently?  Olya:  Yes, it happened last summer.  Comments:  The Russian Parliament of the current convocation unanimously has approved and the president has signed two legislative initiatives aimed at the complete ban on gender transition (Federal law No.386- FZ “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” dated 24.07.2023, hereinafter referred to as “The Law banning gender transition” ). The Law banning gender transition completely abolishes  inter alia : 1) the delivery of health care during the gender transition on the territory of Russia including medical surgeries and hormone therapy, 2) the adjustment of the documents after the gender marker change if a gender affirmative surgery was performed abroad, 3) the Registry offices to make changes in documents in case of the gender marker change, 4) adoption of a child by people who have done gender transition. In case one of partners changes the gender marker, such marriages are automatically recognized as invalid. These restrictions are of an unprecedented discriminatory nature and affect transgender and intersex people.  Olya:  It became urgent. I had to change (my documents) quickly; before that, I had planned to do it gradually in winter, but I had to hurry. This caused a serious conflict with my relatives, for whom it was very significant. They viewed it as: "Goodness, don’t you understand that some high-profile person will come to the hotel, and they’ll check everyone, find out that you are one of the relatives, and it will ruin our business." To them (my relatives) : the fact that I had changed my passport to female was something indecent and shameful. Strange, but true.  Adam:  And you managed to change (the documents)?  Olya:  Yes. Yes. And quite quickly. I sold my laptop, and my friend and I went to Moscow to some acquaintances, whom we saw for the first time. They sheltered us. I stayed there for about five days, paid 200 euros (20 thousand rubles as a commission). Since I already had all the necessary certificates, it happened very quickly. And, essentially, they just confirmed that yes, everything is in order, two years already. That’s all.  Adam:  And regarding the move to the Netherlands? At what point did you decide that this is it? This is the end. Or that it’s time to move.  Olya:  July. I had just received my new documents, it was my birthday, I applied for a passport, and my partner Sergey and I, he lives here too, we decided to leave Russia because it was scary. To be frank, it was scary. At that moment, I didn’t have much money; we were saving everything for the moving. I needed to get a tooth treated. The tooth was damaged by biting something hard. I went to a dental clinic, presented my insurance policy, my documents. There was an elderly woman there; everything seemed fine. Then she started entering the policy number. The system found that I wasn’t a girl before. Her face changed, and she started shouting across the corridor. She called for the head doctor, and a crowd of people rushed in.  So, on the one hand, there was a crowd of doctors explaining that this was illegal, that such a thing was impossible in Russia, that these were forged documents, that it was all a lie. On the other hand, I was in shock. Around me were elderly people who came to the social dentistry. It was extremely confrontational. I tried calling the Medical Insurance Fund to convince them that yes, these were valid documents. Just update them and treat my tooth; I’m not here to change my gender, come on.  Olya:  At that moment, it became clear that living in this country any longer would be impossible. It wasn’t because she found out I was a transgender woman, but because for two months, their minds had been conditioned by this law banning gender marker changes. It affected her so much that she decided to shout at the entire queue.  Adam:  What other difficulties did you face in Russia?   Olya:  You start getting denied medical services. Employers begin to look at you very suspiciously, especially if your documents aren’t updated. When they are updated, you can hide it, but when they aren’t and if it’s not safe, they don’t understand that it’s legal, that the law doesn’t apply retroactively. They think it’s illegal and are afraid to hire you. You have problems with people around you because they’ve watched too much TV, especially if they find out you have a new passport now. This all stems from these laws. People lose their minds because they hear so much negative information.  Olya: So, there were many problems indeed. I had issues at work that arose when security services leaked my data, found through banks. Banks have all of your old data. I had problems with my relatives because they had decided this would destroy their business and started harassing me through the bank. That new data...  Adam:  Did this all start after the law had been passed?  Olya: Yes. So before that, they were much more indifferent, but then they decided it would be something actionable and would tarnish their reputation. You just become a pariah if they find out because people are afraid of you. People are afraid that it’s something illegal.  Adam: About your relatives: did anything change after the law was passed?  Olya:  Before that, regarding my transgender transition, they preferred to ignore it. You know, there was such a policy in America in the Navy: "Don’t ask, don’t tell" regarding gays. It was exactly the same. After this, when they found out about this law, despite everything, my documents were changed, and hell broke loose. They came to me, they threatened me, threatened that they would bring a case against me for fraud, that they would find a way to put me in jail, we’ll pay money, and you won’t even need money, we have connections. In short, you’ll serve a long prison term Why? Because you’re ruining everything for us just by existing.  Adam:  Do you have new documents now?  Olya:  Yes, and you can’t really say I’m a particularly "marginal" representative of transgender people, because, damn it, I worked in a bank. At that time, I issued loans. I’m not even from that group of people who can’t integrate into society, who are engaged in sex work or something else. Most transgender people either work as couriers or in sex work because it’s difficult to integrate into society. I was doing fine, I worked in a bank, everything was great. Still, "you’re shaming our family," still "you’re destroying our reputation," still "this shouldn’t be happening." At first, they were like, let’s take you to a clinic, they’ll cure you, because there was talk about it, let’s pay, they’ll diagnose schizophrenia, and through court, they’ll change the documents back, because the talk was that you’d disappear, disappear involuntarily.  Adam: And it was coming from your relatives?  Olya:  Yes. (inaudible text - ed.)  Adam:  Wow... It’s scary to imagine how you went through all of this. Just so you understand, Olya is sitting in front of me right now, and I have absolutely no doubt that she’s a girl. If I didn’t know about this, I wouldn’t even have thought about it.  Olya:  Yes.  Adam: Just a regular bank employee.  Adam:  Why is this so important? Do people immediately change their attitude after finding out?  Olya:  Everything changes when people are told every day on TV that you want to kill and eat their children.  Adam:  Let's now talk about the positive side, about life in the Netherlands.  Adam:  Tell me, how is your adaptation going here now?  Olya:  My adaptation here isn't going well at all. The language school doesn't take you in if you don't have a tax number. So, my adaptation here involves walking around the city, vocal coaching to keep from getting bored, strolling through the city with friends, interacting with locals, and just basic networking because, in reality, until you're granted refugee status, nobody really pays much attention to you.  Adam:  What was difficult for you during the first month?       Olya:  Well, actually, Ter-Apel is the primary accommodation camp for a month. Because there you need to go take your food, you get halal food - it’s terrible. And while you’re standing there, there’s some "wonderful person" showing you phallic symbols, suggesting you go have oral sex with them in an uncomfortable way.       Olya:  Plus I had a friend, a 16-year-old transgender girl from Ryazan, sent there by her parents because she was being chased by the cops. I mean, they figured out she’d be safer in a refugee camp than in Russia. 16 years old, hormones driving her crazy. She got involved with refugees from Africa, Arab countries, and first they stalked her, they gave her weed to smoke, they wanted her to pay for it with sex, and then she was raped by some older man. Since she was afraid to tell, I said, "No," we will go to the officials. The officers were outside the police station, then we went to the hospital. In that hospital I stayed with her until 6 in the morning.       Adam:  You talk a lot about Ter-Apel. What is it?    Olya:  Ter-Apel is a primary accommodation and filtration camp for refugees. I mean, they send you to Ter-Apel first if you have a Schengen visa. Or if you have walked in on foot, like many refugees from other countries do. Russians do not get there most of the time, and people stay in there for a long time. It’s hard there, in some ways. Because there’s food, there’s a concentration of refugees plotting against you, there’s often violence. My friend, Anton, he’s been there for six months. Transferred out and transferred back again. He is very unlucky. No one transgender that I know has ever spent more than a month in there, so they’re trying to get us out of that place into somewhere safer.    Adam:  And now you?      Olya:  I’ve been in Amsterdam for six months. Nice place. Well, the only downside is that kids are noisy here, we live in a dorm with Kurdish teenagers and over them their big brothers. They are very well-mannered, but culturally noisy. Every emotion they express as a loud cry. The only drawback, in fact, those kids are wonderful and funny. They also have to make them clean in case they forget. And so - these are the obvious little things. Well, I mean, actually, this is not the worst hostel I had to live in. So, yeah, you could say it’s mostly good.    Adam:  What’s your experience here with the healthcare system?       Olya:  Look, I’m a nice person, but you have to understand that I’m a determined person and I have to push for what I need.       Adam: What did you have to push for?       Olya:  For example, an appointment with a psychiatrist. It might require from one to have a little argument. For example, you can get prescribed with some hormonal drugs that you want, and sometimes you will have to argue for that. What I want is this medication scheme, not that one. Many doctors insist on saying the hormonal drugs you are asking for are not available. I had to argue for 30 minutes, but they gave me the ones I wanted.    Adam:  Do you feel any support from the local population?  Olya:  The locals are very friendly, they try to speak English and Russian, if they know it, to me. Especially in Amsterdam, everyone tries to speak English to you. Every time I've met people, there's been zero condemnation, complete understanding. I haven't encountered any phobia towards refugees at all, not even from older people who you'd think might be more conservative. "Oh, you're from Russia? Oh, you're a refugee. Oh, that's too bad. I really sympathize with you." "And who are you?" "Well, I used to work in a bank, a bit as a broker." "Oh, how great that you've come here." "Well, unfortunately, it's tough here now, but I hope it gets better." Something like that. Overall, I find the place very supportive.  Olya: I was in the taxi coming from the hospital after that girl was raped. The police called the taxi because they left the girl at the hospital. She didn't want to let me go. You understand, right? I was talking to the taxi driver, and he had voted for the local anti-immigrant party. And we agreed, like, "You're cool. I won't vote for them anymore."  Adam:  Anti...?  Olya:  Anti-immigrant, anti-refugee. I mean, he said, "You're cool, I didn't expect it to be like this."  Adam: So he wanted...?  Olya:  Well, he had voted for them, it's a funny story.  Adam: What significant differences in social environment have you noticed based on your experience in Europe and Russia among members of the LGBT community?  Olya:  Russian LGBT are very Islamophobic. I'm afraid because of my family, who have embraced these ideas and started hating me. Still, I communicate with them (Russian-speaking LGBT - ed.), I don't know, among them there's a lot of racism and Islamophobia. It's because of constant fear, because in Russia, these categories of citizens are usually persecuted. People become filled with this hatred because of it. There aren't right-wing LGBT people like this anywhere else. So, the majority of LGBT people in Russia are very right-wing in their views. Here, they're very left-wing (Russian-speaking LGBT - ed.): we'll treat everyone well until you prove yourself to be an asshole.  Adam:  Have you received support not only from the LGBT community here?  Olya:  Yes. In general, people here aren't tainted by hate propaganda, at least not yet. Fortunately. I hope it doesn't change. Muslims are quite friendly, by the way. Unlike in Russia. They are wonderful people, helping to understand things.  Adam:  I've noticed that too. They don't come here for an easy life either.  Olya:  That's right.  Adam: And they've found a certain freedom here.  Olya:  Very, very nice and very pleasant.  Adam:  I also had certain stereotypes.  Olya:  I had stereotypes too. I had fear directly caused by my family. And it gradually diminishes, fortunately.  Adam:  What advice would you give to people in similar situations? Maybe they are thinking about moving to a safe country.  Olya:  I've sworn off giving advice to people who want to move to a safe country in similar situations. People in such situations are demoralized by their own lives. "No, just no," they say. "I see on TV that you have huge queues there, I will have to live in a camps with very negative people." "We see examples of suicides, widely publicized." My friend Khina unfortunately killed herself here. And so on, and so forth. No one says that you will be given any context. People are scared. Rather, you will face aggression if you try to suggest that your situation is much worse than mine. You probably need to save your life before it's too late, before you are locked up.  Olya:  I was trying to call Artem. What do you think? He's in pretrial detention now, not answering anything.  Adam: Artem? Did we talk about him?  Olya:  Yes, we talked about Artem Fokin, who founded the organization "Irida" with four people there - LGBT, to sue the unauthorized discriminatory legislation of Russia. Moreover, not only in relation to LGBT, but also against foreign agents and public organizations. He was a bit of a rainmaker, a simple person who believes in law and justice. He tried to get his legal action through to the very end. Now he's in pre-trial detention. As I understand it, someone had reported on him. In the comments, someone boasted, "It's me, I have reported on him, now he'll go down for extremism."  Adam: There are people like that.  Olya:  Well, I deliberately ignore him. Because, well, what's the point of feeding "a sick person"? They need treatment, but Russia builds its foreign policy around such people.  Adam: In general, about advice, as I understand it...  Olya: The advice - don't tell anyone anything at all, because you'll only encounter hatred. If someone wants help, you can tell them your story.  Adam: And what hope, support can you offer to those who are listening? Until now.  Olya: I think no one has listened to me this far, but if someone has survived... Guys, in short, propaganda lies. It's cool here. If you want, try it. Like when society doesn't tell you every day that you're "Spawn of Satan," life is much more comfortable.  Adam:  I've heard your story now, and in the background, I keep thinking how good it is that we're not there.  Olya:  Unfortunately, yes, that thought still haunts me. It's a somewhat indicative thought regarding the situation there.  Adam:  Why is it important for you to stay in the Netherlands?  Olya:  Because if I return to Russia, either they'll lock me up for extremism because I donated to Artem's organization, or they'll put me in a psychiatric hospital, or they'll force me into treatment, or they'll just kill me. Well, in general, I want to live.  Adam: In general, the motivation is clear.  Olya:  I want to live and live freely.  Adam: Okay, then. So, our last note was a positive one? Do you agree?  Adam:  Great, then, Olya, I wish you all the best. Sincerely. I'm glad we met. And thank you for participating.  Olya:  Thank you, you're cool.  Disclaimer:  "The podcast is the intellectual property of LGBT World Beside. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed in the episodes presented in the podcast and on the website belong exclusively to the guests. This podcast is supported by the European Cultural Foundation and the European Union."

Adam: Hello! Dear listeners, today Adam is with you, and we welcome the unique Stas Vokman!) Please tell us what you are doing now, what do you live? Stas: Let's start with the fact that it is very important, probably, to talk about the work that lasted for several months. The company "Media Loft" contacted us at the LGBT organization World Beside with a proposal to make a joint documentary about Russian speakers transpersons who live in camps (refugee camps), we are going to prepare it for Pride in Amsterdam. Adam: So, is this a story about real people or is it like some kind of staged story? Stas: This is a documentary, there is nothing made up there. And, unfortunately, the lives of those heroes who are in our film, she is much, much more terrible, much more unique than could be imagined and made into a feature film. And unfortunately, what I I heard that a lot will have to be cut out, of course, because there is crime there, there is and prosecution of law enforcement agencies, and connections with gangs that now in Ukraine. These are quite criminal stories. So, unfortunately, I heard it's a lot of pain and it was quite hard. Adam: Tell us how the idea for this film “Invisibale people” came about? Stas: In general, we need to tell the backstory that the director of the film is Nikita Loic - chief director of the channel “And Talk?”, and director of a series about the queer community in The Netherlands, this is his third work on this topic. I was very proud because they turned to me, they found me. Last year in refugee camps in the Netherlands There was a series of suicides of Russian-speaking queer refugees. Filmmakers company “Media Loft” and Nikita Loic wanted to voice this problem. Adam: You said this series of suicides happened last year? Stas: Only last year we, indeed, our Russian-speaking community I was faced with just such a series of suicides... Adam: Who are you playing in the project? Stas: I act there as a producer. Adam: What are your main goals with this film? Stas: Publicity of what is happening in the camps, publicity of the problems faced by trans people community in the Netherlands. It just seems like the Netherlands is so beautiful a country in which there is a place for trans people, but in fact there are still many in this part problems. Adam: Why did this become so important to you? Stas: Oh, well, look, actually.. Adam: Maybe there are some relatives, or some stories, because usually people they do this with such dedication as you have.. It’s not just that usual. Stas: Yes, this is probably also a personal story, because it is here, in the Netherlands, that I I have made several people whom I can call friends. And these are transpeople. This is generally- this is a new experience for me, and it’s as if we lived in Russia and had no idea that there were such People. It was somewhere far away, somewhere in films and somewhere not about our lives at all, but here you see these people, yes, that is. as if you have a desire to also communicate with them, also help them. Adam: Indeed, these people are among us and in Russia. I wouldn't even think if someone... I didn’t listen to our first episode, listen, we have an interview with Olya, and I was surprised her sincerity, and never in my life would I have thought that this was a transperson. Stas: What needs to be said here is that the transpersons who are here, not only do they having to go through what we're going through - people moving, problems integration, immigration problems in general, because you... you just every day you are faced with a bunch of information that you don’t even always need. Here it just falls on you in any form, and you have to be so mobile, how much to screw in each time, and they have all these processes, they are also burdened by the fact that what they go through through self-awareness, through self-discovery, through understanding that they may already be more protected than in Russia, for example, or in any of the former republics of the Soviet Union. For many this is difficult, which is why it is important to understand that Those deaths that happened last year were not accidental. This is this big, big system problem. Adam: Is there a special story to pique the interest of our listeners? Stas: One of the heroines told... She never told me about this, i.e. oh there she is began to remember such things, began to unpack from her subconscious... she said that she was admitted to a mental hospital. She saw people passing through this torture with electricity. What we thought was already prohibited Ministry of Health... Adam: Or just in movies. Stas: Or only in films about some kind of horror. And this is what she describes, what... then crime stories, and one of the heroines from a locality in Ukraine, and which from time to time switches to one side, then to the other. And this abuse she just tolerates the system on both sides, and you just kind of... you just don’t even Can you imagine, what, and what in general remains for these people? Adam: Very interesting, will this be in the film? Stas: Yes, it should all be in the film. Plus we have two experts, one of the experts is Kamil Welling, chief physician of trans united clinic, second expert Valentine – trans girl from Netherlands. She is a successful journalist, model, DJ. Adam: Do you think this film will have any impact on people, and if so, how? Stas: First of all, of course, it’s awareness; after all, any film is about development of empathy. The main task of the film is to show that this is also a person, that he is nothing you are no different. Yes, he has characteristics, but he has his own life, and he deserves to be happy. We still set one of the goals - this is to convey to the Dutch society is that the trans community in general has a number of problems. And this movie just reveals it. Adam: Will it be in English, this movie? Stas: The film will be in Russian, as a rule, everyone in this film speaks Russian language, but with English subtitles. Two of the experts speak English and this There will be subtitles in Russian. In principle, one of these red lines in our new film that is being prepared - this, of course, is the problem faced Russian society, and Ukrainian too. This is the Russian invasion of Ukraine and I'm like a person who for a long time was generally in opposition in principle and never voted for Putin, and never believed him.. For me it was, well, just, probably, the last straw, etc. I know Russian history well, because... I basically understood how will it develop further.. How will the regime transform further, therefore for me at that moment.. I just made, it seems to me, such a right decision – left Russia. Adam: Why did you choose the Netherlands? Stas: In fact, there wasn’t much to choose from back then. I wanted to go to some then other countries, but everything was completely bad there. Which were closer to me, let's say, or more familiar to me. Adam: Bad, in what way? Stas: There were a lot of refugees, or there was some kind of really big bureaucracy. Still the first year of the war.. Yes, the first six months of the war are.. Now we are simply accustomed to the fact that that there is a war. This is a given that we live with. And then this is the first war in a long time time in Europe, and European countries, European citizens did not understand at all that generally happens. And this stream of refugees that poured out of Russia, Of course, this says a lot. Adam: How are you feeling here now? Stas: Let's just say that life turned out to be much more multifaceted in reality, because I had to reinvent myself in general as a person, and here I started my psychotherapy. I had to give up some plans for life, some old ones ambitions, and well, in fact, I really surprised myself, because this is such a thirst, thirst life and survival, generally inherent in every Russian person. We... I really In fact, I’ll say this - just without modesty, we are probably the most talented and very educated group of people in the Netherlands because we have a lot of potential. Adam: Tell us about your life before the Netherlands. What did you do? Stas: Actually, I have been living in Moscow for 10 years, the last 10 years. I worked as a photographer I worked only as a photographer, I also worked in video production, but in general I everything was fine. Adam: Have you been involved in any kind of activist activity, like how you started here? Stas: Firstly, it was not always safe in Russia. Of course, I was in protests. More right from the very beginning I arrived in 2009, moved to Moscow, and the first “Chistye Prudy” was already there. Here is the very first historic rally, I watched it, caught it and appreciated it. After There were already rallies at Sakharov, there were some other interesting things when you just you see that these are all wonderful people... but it turns out there are many of them, and you are not the only one. Adam: Were you detained? Stas: I wasn’t detained, they started detaining me from the moment of the attack wars.. So, why am I saying all this? Adam: Well, I’d like to add some spice). That's why I'm asking, it's just in your letter it was written that “subsequently pursued, the police arrested him after participating in the protests after Russia's invasion of Ukraine." Stas: Yes, let me say this, and it will probably be more correct or truthful. My first detention, it was on February 25 or 24... February 24, 2022, in my opinion. Adam: Ahh. Stas: It was the second day of the war, and somehow from that moment such problems began with police, then there was another detention, it was already... it was already close Bolshoi Theater, and this was already in early May. There has already been a detention with these comrades who wear civilian clothes. Yes, I was also surprised that they were like that.)) They just look like rednecks. I thought that they were just walking around, you know, these guys, who just came for a walk around Moscow, and from somewhere there from Ryazan... And here they are at me The phone is removed, and I was glad about that! I thought, well, now they will post on the Internet “no war,” that’s good! (laughs) What turned out to be that they were filming me for their... for dossier, here.) Adam: For what? Because you didn't want war? Stas: For the “No to War” poster, yes. Adam: Let's go back to the Netherlands. Stas: Come on) Adam: What kind of support have you encountered here that has helped you and is still helping you? Stas: Well, the first thing that needs to be said is that the Dutch themselves as a society Dutch, it is unusually friendly. Such support as in the Netherlands I've probably never seen it anywhere. This is how it works for me, this is just my experience. I extraordinary proud, because I am one of those few people who can directly boast that I’m always here... it seems like it works like that for me, when you just get ready that you will always have support, and it’s you just.. well you walk like that and it’s just for you... Maybe it’s this kind of confidence?)) Adam: Well, you’re also kind of prepossessing yourself – bright eyes..) Stas: Probably yes, probably yes..) Adam: Tall... Stas: Shall we talk about racism?))) About everyday racism. This is support, it was there There is. I’m really, really, really happy about this, and I meet a lot of people here, who are themselves refugees of some generation who have moved. I meet people who are former Dutch colonies, and with them there are no problems at all. It's always very friendly, and.. In general, it seems to me, even when I communicate with black people Dutch, I see that they perceive me not as a citizen of Russia and a subject of Putin, they perceive me first of all as a person. It is dialogue This is exactly how it is built, because, of course, in the first year of the war it was a bit difficult here. Here It was with the Dutch that sometimes the Dutch could make some kind of joke... and with the blacks This has never happened at all. Adam: That's very interesting... What's working for you now at LGBT World Beside? Stas: Well, for me, first of all, for me it’s an investment in, first of all, my future. Because it is very important for every Russian person to understand that no one will do anything for us. stand here. No one will defend our rights, no one will say that we discriminated against, and no one will say that we are cool. Everyone has their problems and other organizations are fighting for themselves, so the most important thing for us to understand now is that we there's not much here and we should just unite. Work towards a specific goal. The big, big pain of Russian society is that in principle we never unite, and did not unite. Adam: Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say) Stas: Yes, well, that is, there are historical prerequisites that began there not yesterday and not day before yesterday.. Adam: ...and as you say, our problems need to be known. Stas: It is necessary that we sooner or later... we cannot change anything if we scattered. Adam: What advice would you give to people listening? The most important advice is do not give up. You have arrived, you are already a big winner. According to a small study, which was carried out quite recently, it turned out that the only feature that unites all immigrants around the world, this is an increased level of dopamine. An increased level of dopamine is responsible for adventurism, risk-taking, and increased dopamine is generally about the joy of life, that’s why we are here, we are already winners. We need just understand that yes, there is time that is allotted to any immigrant, and then everything will happen much easier, simpler, a wonderful future awaits us. Adam: Super) I was truly filled with our meeting.) Thank you for.. Stas: What was) Thank you for coming, that’s it, thank you, thank you for coming. The podcast is the intellectual property of LGBT World Beside. All rights protected, views and opinions expressed, featured in episodes on podcast and website belongs exclusively to guests. This podcast is supported by the European Cultural foundation and co-financed by the European Union.

Ace    Hello, friends! Today we have a special guest, the head of our organization LGBT World Beside, Harlem Van Hayzer. Our podcast is hosted by As and Adam, volunteers of LGBT World Beside. Hi, guys!    Harlem    Hello! Thank you for having me.    Adam    Harlem, tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now?    Harlem   I am currently working for a microchip company, and I am also involved in human rights activities in our organization LGBT Work Beside.    Host   Yes, in this regard, I think it would be more interesting for everyone to know how our organization was created, when it was created, who created it, what were the ideas, what served as the prerequisite for the creation of this organization.   Harlem   Actually, this is a very interesting question, and many people ask me this. And it was not planned, in fact, the creation of the organization. There were several reasons why we are here today. The first reason is 2017, that time we helped refugees who came from the Caucasus, from Russia and from the Netherlands to Belgium. And we, a couple of volunteers who arrived a little earlier, helped them. That is, how we helped, we met refugees in the camps, they did not know some of the rules, did not know the language, some of them did not have clothes or did not know who to turn to. We helped them little by little, directed them. And within a few months we had a decent volunteer team of 5-6 people in Belgium and the Netherlands. I was living in the camp myself that time, and my friend Oleg was also in the camp, he also joined in very actively. And it turned out later, by the end of 2017, that even journalists began to contact us, we gave interviews about what was happening in the Caucasus in general, in Russia, why there were so many arrests in the Caucasus, specifically of the LGBTQ community.    As    As far as I understand, the creation of the organization LGBT World Beside is connected with those mass arrests of gays in Chechnya in 2017.    Harlem    Yes, that's right.    Adam   Harlem, where are you from?    Harlem    I came from Russia in 2016, before the mass arrests of the LGBT community began in the Caucasus, in Chechnya.   Adam    And where do you live now?    Harlem    I live in the Netherlands now. Seven years, I guess, yeah.    Adam    And how do you like life in the Netherlands?   Haarlem    If you start life from scratch in any country, it's very difficult. And it was difficult for me too, not knowing the language, not having any acquaintances. At the moment, where I am, what I had to go through to integrate, I will say, now I feel good and confident.    Adam    How do you think your life differs in the Netherlands from Russia?   Haarlem    Confidently being yourself.    Adam    And what does being yourself mean to you?    Haarlem    Well, first of all, not being afraid that you will be insulted or humiliated by the fact that you are different from society. For example, if I ran my own business or met people in Russia , I always had to be careful in these relationships, with new acquaintances, not revealing that I am gay. But there is no such thing here. I mean, I don’t even have to think about what I need to tell, or be afraid, or hide. Here I am as I am, I have rights, like everyone else. That is, there is no such thing as me being infringed upon because I am gay. But in Russia, on the contrary, in recent years it has worsened many times over. And now, after I spent several years in a free country, I could not spend my life in Russia a second time, that’s the difference. I feel free and happy here. Although I lost a lot when I decided to move to another country.   As   Surely many people ask you this question. Tell me a little bit, why do you have such an unusual name? After all, you say that you are from the Caucasus.    Harlem    This is a name which I feel confident with. I chose a new name and surname after I moved. Because I always had problems associated with my name, which my parents gave me according to the documents. It was a Muslim name, and I even had a case when i was said “you do not deserve your name, you have no right to bear a name that belongs to a Muslim society.” Because of this, I was even beaten. And the first thing I decided to do, when I moved to the Netherlands, being in an immigration prison, where I was waiting for the procedure of political asylum to start, at that moment I decided that I would immediately change my name and change my surname, so that it would no longer cause me such harm and would not remind me of my old life.   Adam   Tell me what prompted you to leave Russia?    Harlem    I had many reasons to leave, even several years before I left Russia. I always held on and moved to different cities in Russia, I wanted to be as close to my family and friends as possible. When I faced problems of persecution because I was gay, after being beaten, after being detained, after being blackmailed, I always tried to move away from this and hold out as long as possible in my homeland, in the country where I grew up, got used to, where you know everything. Well, unfortunately, I no longer had the strength for this, and in 2016 I left Russia. I had two reasons. Firstly, my close friend had problems. I saved him and saved myself a little, somehow that incident united us. And due to this, I gained strength and left Russia. It was 2016. Also, I realized that my friends and loved ones could suffer because of me. This was also one of the reasons.   Adam   If you had stayed?    Harlem    Yes, if I had stayed. I had three serious moves within the country. Different cities.    Adam    Do you mean to stay and live in Russia?    Harlem    Yes, yes, to live and stay. I tried it out there. And my last refuge was in Moscow, I thought, a big city, who would recognize me here, who would find me? I miscalculated and also ran into people who wanted to harm me.    As    Here, Adam has a psychological education. And he can tell us about such a phenomenon as rationalization. Because many gays in Russia, actually experiencing what Harlem experienced, or something similar, they stay there and rationalize their stay.    Adam    Yes. I have met a lot of such people. I would like to say that we are talking as if about one region, but at the same time you say that you left for Moscow, tried to stay there, and it still did not help. And here we are now, too, I also see many people from all regions of Russia. And about rationalization, yes, I personally have such friends who really believed for a very long time that something could get better, that... I have seen, right, here, cases, yes, of people who thought that everything was fine, or that it was normal, and now they are here.   As   Well, yes, many people think that things can get better.    Harlem    Yes, I will even say more, in the Caucasus many people do not even know that there is another life, that a person can be gay and he can freely walk with his partner down the street, hold hands, even with a girl, with a guy, with whomever you want. For example, I didn't know either, I learned very late that being gay or lesbian is normal, that it's not a disease. I also thought for a while that I was really sick, that I had deviations, that I didn't fit into the society that I deserved. That is, I also experienced guilt. I thought that I was bringing harm to this society.   Adam   When you came to the Netherlands, when were you able to get rid of that feeling? How much time passed?    Haarlem    When I came, within a year I got into relationship. I met a guy while living in a camp, and we started dating. Once we were walking down the street, in a cafe or somewhere, he took my hand, I jumped away from him and said "no, no, I can't". It was fear. This lasted for about a year, probably, so that I could not freely hold my partner's hand. Or kiss him. Only in certain places, in a bar, in a club, at home, like that. And so little by little he told me that it was normal here, that no one would follow you, no one would stare if you were kissing someone on the street, or standing with a guy, laughing, or sitting drinking coffee. And no one would come up to you and ask who you were to each other or why you were sitting so sweetly. So, again, he taught me, and I resisted. I say, it can't be, someone will want to hit you or insult you now. It was at least a year for me to start behaving freely, to walk with a guy. Or talk on the phone, again, I always turned around like this. When I talked on the phone, I always had to turn around, and check who was nearby, whether someone heard me or not. Yes, all this did not go away in one day, maybe it still hasn't gone away. It's just that I'm such a person, I don't give up, I also had so many problems in Russia, I always kept on going, going, going to what I was striving for, but they didn't allow me that there. Every time they tripped me up, humiliated me, I encountered this a lot. Even when I tell someone what happened to me, I sometimes see in their eyes that not everyone believes it.     As    Do you remember, you said about life in the Caucasus that you can't even call it a gay community, because these are just individual people with a non-hetero orientation in this region. And so they live there and can't imagine that it's possible to live another life. And when they escape from that, when they come to Europe, as far as I understand, the integration of people from the Caucasus is much more difficult here, much more emotionally costly for them.    Harlem   Yes, I agree with that. As many people know, families in the Caucasus are very large, and we are always tied to our relatives, who we must be responsible for. Yes, since you have to leave everything behind, to abandon your native country and relatives. And all your life you have been taught that you must be responsible, that you must be an example, that you must take care of your parents, your relatives. And you were set up for this. And since you are alone in another country, and none of that is there, and you don't know how to accept that, it’s not supposed to be like that either, you shouldn't be alone, right? And these thoughts, they really hinder integration. People from the Caucasus are generally not ready to leave their families, their relatives, their family, customs, and start something, like me, for example, a new life.   Adam    I wanted to ask, what other social barriers did you encounter here in the Netherlands?    Haarlem   Well, like many do, it was the language. To start speaking the language, I had to wait for months, because when you live in a camp, you are not provided with a school to study the language. You can only go for a speaking club week once. Tall-cafe, it is a speaking club where you can just talk with native speakers. But it is not always like that, not every camp has it. That is the first thing that I could not start learning the language. I did not speak English, I did not speak Dutch. And I wanted, it was very stressful for me that I wanted to, but I could not start. I mean, online is one thing, but physically being in school, that was an obstacle. And the second moment is when you encounter a different mentality, a different culture, which you were not prepared for. Adaptation to a new culture. It was also very difficult for me.   Adam    Can you give us some examples about culture? What moments do you remember?   Harlem    For example, you want to go to a friend's house in the evening, and if you haven't planned it in advance, then you practically can't get to him, because here you need to plan everything in advance. This was the hardest thing for me at the beginning, because in the Caucasus and in Russia, well, in Russia you just... If you want to, you call, since your friend is home, you come over. But here it works much differently even with friends. Not to mention work moments. They can simply not let you into the house and say, come another time, let's make an appointment, if you come to visit without notice.    Adam    Can you give any advice to newcomers who have just arrived, what is the best thing for them now to do to get integrated?    Harlem    Start learning the language. Get to know people. Communicate. No need to sit and wait. I think this is the hardest thing. Be aware of yourself. Go towards your dreams. Think. These are the moments that always saved me. When it was hard for me to be in the camp, I always... Oh, I wanted it so much. And how can I do it? I always strived for something, for something I had planned. When I lived in Russia, I always looked at what I failed to do, what I wanted to do at that time.   Adam    This is very interesting, because I meet people who have lost their goals, yes, which they could have achieved there, but as if they did not achieve them, but they do not see how it is possible to achieve it here. And you are giving such interesting advice now, that you should try to find opportunities. To achieve them here.    Harlem   Yes, to achieve here, to believe in yourself, that you can do it. Even in another country. And having the understanding of others that you dream of starting a family tomorrow, having a husband and children, that is, you can go for it, strive, no one will say that you are sick, or that it is forbidden here, that is, you can do it.    Adam    Harlem, you just said that we shouldn't give up on our goals here, but what goals are you already setting for yourself?   Harlem    I set goals for myself so that in the future the guys who come here do not go through the same path of integration as hard as I did when I came here, when Stas came here or Oleg, for example. I mean, in 2016-2017 it was very difficult, there were very few of our people, and the first goal for me and for all of us is to make a person be able to adapt, accept themselves, go out into society, know themselves, reveal themselves. So there are many, not to say that there is one goal, but there is such an expanded one. That is one of such common goals. Another personal goal is to have a relationship, because I lost a relationship a year and a half ago because I did not know how or, most likely, we did not know how to build up a relationship. Also, having no experience, it was very difficult for me. I am a person who is used to living with a large family, and living alone can be difficult at times. I don’t mean, work-related communication or that loneliness is physically difficult, but it can be mentally difficult.    As   Here is my question. What organizations have existed since 2018?    Harlem   In general, the organization was formed in 2017, Oleg was one of the Russian-speaking volunteers. Galya helped us a lot, her husband, Tolik, Max, Daniel, Koz. A lot of people helped. And we somehow didn’t even know what we were going to organize. I met my friends, I talked to my friend, Galya. She said that there is no organization or community for Russian-speaking people, for the LGBT community, that helps here. And from that day on we decided that yes, indeed, there is no such thing. We need to register and create an organization, without having experience, without having any support. Someone wrote in Russian, someone translated into English, when we were drawing up the organization’s charter. And I even have another dream, so that those people who are involved in the formation of the organization for the Russian-speaking community, so that they somehow express their opinion, how it happened, the history, so people could see it. Many people ask what the idea was, why it was done. There was no specific idea. It all came from the requests of people, refugees who arrived. Someone needed clothes, shoes. Then we asked our friends who can give that. Someone can give a jacket, someone else can give  something else. We bring it. We collected it bit by bit.    As    I'll ask a specific question. Over the years, what do you consider to be the main achievements of the LGBT World Beside organization? At least five, what you can name.    Harlem    The first thing is that we can gather here, organize meetings, talk with each other and share our problems. This is a great merit of our community and organization. When people came 5-6 years ago, they didn't even know each other, who was in what camp. Now we have a connection, we have monthly events, practically, where Russian-speaking communities can gather, guys from the camp can come, share their experiences, get advice. That is the first thing, actually. Secondly, a person, an employee of the organization, can contact us to get advice on studying, on integration. We do, we organize online courses of Dutch, English. During the coronavirus in 2020, we organized online courses of Dutch for refugees who were in camps. That was also a very good step. Thirdly, we do research on the camps, identify what problems we face, and help. We work with other large human rights organizations, for example, with Amnesty International, where we are now located.    Adam    Everyone knows what Amnesty International is. It is an international organization that fights for human rights, rights that are violated all over the world. That is why it is international. And it is a great honor that we are recording here, we are discussing human rights. I am very happy about that.    Harlem    And this year, the organization's achievement is that we have the right to receive humanitarian visas for human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ in Russia, to receive humanitarian visas to Belgium. We made reports on the situation in Russia, to the UN. We made a report on the latest laws that were passed in Russia and what they led to. You can even look at it on the website.    As   And purely theoretically, these are such reports, they help refugees from Russia get a residence permit faster.    Harlem    It is not that it is fast, but that it allows the migration services to understand what is happening in Russia. Such reports are needed, and even often, I think that it is necessary to do research and make reports, because many migration services take information from these reports. When a person comes to a European country, he will not need to explain in full what is happening in Russia. That is, the immigration services already know what is happening in this country. The report has such power.    I would also like to tell you that since last year we have started working with large companies like ASML, Ben & Jerry, so that people can integrate faster and find a job. And this year we had a meeting with one of the largest companies ASML. And after this meeting, companies began to contact us, they can teach refugees IT programs for free for 3 to 6 months. It literally happened a couple of weeks, now we are going to hold our first meeting with that company. From the outside, it may seem little work, small things, but in fact, a lot of work has been done behind the screen, and so that a refugee can go to study for free and then become an intern. That is, I think that this is really cool.    Adam    Tell us about your first pride.   Harlem   It was 2017. On the morning of June 4th or 5th, I don't remember what day, when I got to this wonderful event, I was shocked that the people who were there, they were happy, they could be together with each other, they didn't have to look around with worry, they felt supported. That was the first impression of the pride. For me, it was certainly wow.   Adam   I want to ask, how do Europeans feel about Pride?   Harlem   It's a usual holiday, like King's Day, I guess.   As    Our wonderful conversation is coming to an end. I want to thank Harlem for being open with us, telling us his story and showing what LGBT World Beside really does.    Adam    You opened up so much, thank you!    Harlem    You're always welcome. I also wanted to thank those people who support us all, who contributed to the organization and development of our community. And today we are in the office, in the office of Amnesty International in Amsterdam, thanks to many people, actually. I think we might write down some stories of the people who were involved in starting our community in the future.    As    Yes, thank you.    Harlem    Thank you.

On April 26th, a training session organized by Service 113 for volunteers of LGBT World Beside on preventing suicidal behavior took place at the Goethe Institute. This event was part of a series of enlightening activities initiated in response to an incredible surge in suicide attempts among the LGBT community in 2023, especially among those residing in camps. The series of activities aimed at enhancing support for refugees and volunteer workers, and this training served as the second step in this direction. Nearly 20 participants, including volunteers and professional psychologists, took part in the training conducted by specialists Marijke Groener and Paula Gruben from the RINO Group and 113 Suicide Prevention. During the 4-hour training session, participants received not only theoretical information about suicidal behavior within the LGBT community but also practical skills in its recognition and prevention. The event included presentations on statistics and the prevalence of suicidal tendencies among this group, as well as discussions on strategies for assistance and support for those facing such issues. One of the key aspects of the training was educating participants on acting as Gatekeepers – individuals who can provide initial aid and timely support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts or in crisis situations. Participants of the training received a certificate of qualification, confirming their readiness and ability to provide support when needed. The organizers expressed hope that the knowledge and skills acquired will help them better organize support for those who need it most and find the right words in difficult moments. These efforts are aimed at creating a safer and more supportive environment for the LGBT community and those in need of assistance and support. Русская версия Превенция суицидального поведения среди LGBT: тренинг в Гёте-Институте 26 апреля в институте Гете прошел тренинг, организованный службой 113 для волонтеров LGBT World Beside, по превенции суицидального поведения. Это мероприятие стало частью серии просветительских мероприятий, организованных в ответ на невероятный рост попыток самоубийств среди LGBT-коммьюнити в 2023 году, особенно среди людей, проживающих в лагерях. Почти 20 участников, включая волонтеров и профессиональных психологов, приняли участие в тренинге, проведенном специалистами Marijke Groener и Paula Gruben из RINO Group и 113 Suicide Prevention. В течение 4-х часов тренинга участники получили не только теоретическую информацию о суицидальном поведении среди LGBT-сообщества, но и практические навыки по его распознаванию и предотвращению. В рамках мероприятия была представлена статистика и распространенность склонности к суициду среди этой группы, а также обсуждались стратегии помощи и поддержки для тех, кто сталкивается с подобными проблемами. Один из ключевых моментов тренинга заключался в обучении участников работе как Gatekeepers – людей, которые могут оказать первую помощь и своевременную поддержку тем, кто испытывает суицидальные мысли или находится в кризисной ситуации. Участники тренинга получили сертификат о повышении квалификации, подтверждающий их готовность и способность к оказанию поддержки в случае необходимости. Организаторы мероприятия выразили надежду на то, что полученные знания и навыки помогут им лучше организовывать поддержку для тех, кому она особенно необходима, и находить правильные слова в трудные моменты. Эти усилия направлены на создание более безопасной и поддерживающей среды для LGBT-коммьюнити и тех, кто нуждается в помощи и поддержке.

On March 28, a historic meeting took place between representatives of the LGBT World Beside (LGBT WB) organization and the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of Belgium. This meeting, held in the capital of the European Union, laid the groundwork for cooperation on the protection and support of LGBTQ+ refugees, especially from Russia. Representatives of LGBT WB, including Harlem, Katya, Christina, and Daria, expressed concern about the deteriorating situation for the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. They noted the adoption of new repressive laws and the threat of persecution, especially following the initiation of criminal proceedings against an LGBT club. The organization’s representatives shared a report prepared by lawyers, which emphasized the need to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. On the other side of the table, a representative of the State Secretary for Migration acquainted meeting participants with cooperation opportunities. She proposed allocating a quota of humanitarian visas for members of the LGBTQ+ community from Russia. However, for this, LGBT WB must submit a comprehensive proposal, including justification for the allocation of visas, the number of visas requested, and the level of support the organization can provide to refugees, including accommodation and integration assistance. Cooperation with Belgium means not only providing humanitarian visas but also support in processing asylum applications. Under the terms of the agreement, LGBT WB must submit individual applications for each case, including identity documents, justification for the application, and other supporting evidence. One of the key points of discussion was the issue of refugee accommodation. Belgium has limited space in accommodation centers, so the ability of LGBT WB and its partners to provide support with accommodation will play a crucial role in the consideration of applications. In addition, the representative of the State Secretary advised reaching out to other human rights organizations and considering the possibility of cooperation with the Cabinet of the State Secretary for Equality, which has a shelter project for LGBTQ+ refugees in Brussels. In conclusion, the meeting concluded with a successful agreement on cooperation between LGBT World Beside and the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration of Belgium. This step opens up new prospects for LGBTQ+ refugees, providing them with the opportunity to receive protection and support in a country where their rights and safety will be guaranteed. Currently, we are actively working to find shelters. We would appreciate both financial assistance in addressing this issue and informational support. For additional information, please contact us via email at info@lgbtworldbeside.org . Also we are looking for coordination manager.

In this final part of the episode, we continue to discuss heteronormativity and the stereotype of the West promoting gay culture with our guest, Anya. Find out more in the episode! In this installment, we learn more about our heroine, how forced migration changes one's environment and worldview. The interviewee will talk about her life in Serbia and share her first impressions of Pride in Belgrade.   Episode Transcript:   Anya (Guest):  Absolutely, yes, and the second reason is this. The problem is that the voice was given not to those who are ready to show up, i.e., not just anyone, but to those who are only ready to express hatred.  And when you mentioned language, I recalled another book that is proudly on my reading list, I believe it's by Viktor Klemperer. He analyzed the language of Nazi hatred, yet another regime that, as we know, didn't like LGBTQ+ people and, in fact, started fighting them early on. There were people there too, I don't know what they called them, maybe something like "non-traditional orientation," but they started fighting them among the first. Some, of course, were pardoned for a while, like some friends of the Führer, but in the end, even the biggest friends were killed, as we know. This is what the book is about, I think it's called "The Language of the Third Reich." It's also very interesting to trace how this attitude is imposed through language—an attitude of disrespect, hatred, hostility. As you correctly said, a very hostile language towards certain phenomena, because language essentially shapes the surrounding reality and attitudes towards it.  Dima (Interviewer):  Yes, based on this example, let’s give some advice to our listeners together. First: guys, pay attention... We advise both hetero- and homosexual persons, I recommend everyone listen! Please, pay attention to the language you use.  Even if you say it incorrectly, that's not the point. In your language, please include love, understanding, and empathy. This is really, really difficult, but we are sure it is possible. It can be done. This is the first step to understanding how to overcome barriers. Anya, you mentioned three reasons?  Anya:  And the third reason, yes. The third reason is directly related to what you just said. The third reason is simple inattention and lack of interest in problems you don’t personally face. And indeed, speaking of what heteronormative, so to speak, people could do? I will join in this formulation. Just start a dialogue, at least from a position of respect, because yes, people fear what they don’t understand. Probably, some people just don't understand how it even works. But if you explain to people, there will be a chance, and this is essentially the plus of sexual education, right? If you just start explaining to people that there are different people, convey to others that this is absolutely normal.    Dima:  Continuing this line of thought, another idea came to mind.  I've been talking about this for a long time, often trying to elaborate on this viewpoint: the laws in countries, including the recently introduced similar law on gay propaganda in Georgia, supposedly for the protection of "traditional values," will likely spread to other countries as well. I would even say, in countries and governments (using an inanimate term, not societies), we must understand that this is an artificial institution. The law on gay propaganda in Russia, when it was expanded in 2022, is, in my opinion, aimed precisely at creating this barrier we are talking about now, and it is designed to "protect" hetero people. How do the legislative initiators present this law? They present it as a "protection," so to speak, of the "normal" from the "abnormal." Instead of allowing hetero people to support their LGBTQ+ fellow citizens, to give them the opportunity to speak up and say: "Yes, I'm hetero, but I support them. I have extensive experience, and just yesterday, my classmate was..."  These aspects are blocked by this law. The law pertains to LGBTQ+, but, again, it affects everyone. This brings us back to the point that the support of heteronormative people is so crucial! Not just in Russia.  Anya:  Yes, and breaking down this barrier is probably the first and one of the most important tasks. Simply giving people who might not understand something or are afraid, as you rightly said, a chance to see for themselves, as Ekaterina Mikhailovna famously says.  Show that there are no differences; this is indeed an imagined barrier that, in my deep conviction, is constructed only because it is very convenient for some states to have soldiers and taxpayers born.  Honestly, I don’t remember attending any special events related to LGBTQ+ persons or anything like that. Maybe there were such events, but I don't recall, so I apologize again)), but I...  Dima:  There’s nothing to apologize for, actually. Firstly, this is an example of how the LGBTQ+ community in Russia exists as a closed society. Understandably, this can be justified due to safety concerns. There are many volunteers in Russia, including hetero people, who have helped and so on.  But here, we might consider that at some point, it was necessary to expand the activities and opportunities beyond the problem within the community, to include hetero people more.  To work more in this area, not creating something self-contained, homogeneous. On the contrary, inclusiveness, meaning, we are all together. Like, come to our event. The last time I tried to do this was when I tried to attend "Artdocfest" with my friends, where we tried to see a film about an MMA fighter who is gay, but all the tickets were sold out...  Anya:  What was it about, sorry?  Dima:  The film was about an MMA fighter who was gay, and it was a documentary. It really struck me that at the "Karo-film" on Arbat... Do you remember that building?  Anya:  Oh, I do remember that building, yes.  Dima:  They bought up all the tickets specifically so people couldn't come and watch the film.  Anya:  That's terrible, yeah, we know how that goes.  Dima:  So, you understand what I mean? Our listeners probably do too. These indirect, hidden conflicts, in quotes. Perhaps not even very hidden from the world. In short, speaking of Russia, we couldn’t attend the screening. Let's talk about experiences where it was possible.  Anya:  Yes, and honestly, I must confess to you, myself, and our listeners that maybe I was in that third camp. I think I was more concerned with human rights issues, with the political situation, rather than this aspect. Reflecting on my life and behavior, I was interested in corruption, lawlessness, and human rights violations in law enforcement and the courts. I don’t think I was as involved and concerned with the rights of LGBTQ+ people, unfortunately, because when I lived in Russia, I constantly felt that my rights were being severely violated. I was very focused on that. But after the war started, it wasn’t so much that my focus shifted, but rather this issue entered my field of vision. I saw that the Leviathan I had been focused on had turned an even more terrible side towards me, one I hadn’t noticed for a long time, like many people. The extreme discrimination and threats to the lives and health of LGBTQ+ people became more apparent to me, and I started to pay more attention to their rights.  Dima:  That's an interesting thought. Thank you very much for sharing. This is, as I understand it, a question of "from the general to the specific"?  Anya:  Mm-hmm.  Dima:  Many within our community also say that LGBTQ+ issues are often ignored because there are broader issues that need to be solved first. There’s another perspective that everything needs to be addressed together, in a unified effort. Lately, I've been hearing a narrative within the LGBTQ+ community that hetero people from Russia or the CIS or other countries are also struggling, and after 2022, many began to realize this. Well, "many" in quotes (not everyone has realized yet, let's start with that).  This is an example of understanding that everyone is suffering, so we need to help everyone now. This ties into overcoming barriers; we see the problems hetero people are facing, with millions affected now. Our eternal problems remain, but that doesn't mean that prioritizing problems should be above love for the individual.  The idea of this podcast is to show that everyone is having a hard time, so let’s do something about it. The idea is that we are all people, and together we can find a common approach to the problem and the solution accordingly.  Anya:  Yes, you’re touching on a terrible problem, you know, it’s like they say, "throw it on the fan," right?  Dima:  Oh, yes, you know me.)  Anya:  No, I’m going to throw it too.) Just a disclaimer that I’m about to throw it out there). In Serbia, I’m part of the Russian Democratic Society, which is an informal anti-war association of Russians. One day, a male colleague told me that women's issues are somewhat secondary right now. We have one big problem with a certain person, which we all understand.  Dima:  I understand what you're saying.  Anya:  Yes, it seems like if we solve this one big problem, the others will somehow resolve themselves, or we can then think about addressing them. As a woman, I understand this, too. Sorry for a bit of self-pity here, but being part of a sometimes discriminated category, I also faced issues of violence. Reflecting on this, I realize how LGBTQ+ people feel when told, "We'll deal with our issues first, and then we'll get to you." The problem is, there's a temptation to solve one's own problems. Unfortunately, many people are like that—they solve their problem, so they don’t have to go to the army, for example, and never get around to other people's issues because they already feel comfortable.  Dima:  This can be likened to the airplane rule: you have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping a child. We get stuck in this loop, putting on our own mask. What about the child?  Anya:  Haha, and the child is sitting there saying, "Mom, is it okay if I get a mask too, please?"  Dima:  Ideally, yes, but we leave the child hoping they will grow up and reach for the mask on their own.  Anya:  Develop gills, right?  Dima:  Yes, and then the child grows up and finally, beaten down and barely hanging on, reaches for the mask. Do you think they will put the mask on their own child?  Anya:  Absolutely not!  Anya:  In such cases, I realize I also got stuck in this loop of solving my problems without solving the child's problems. The child grows up and becomes part of society. As you rightly said, who grows up? A person who is traumatized and embittered.  They might even become disabled in some way because, in Russia, there's a lack of understanding that depression can disable a person. In the so-called "West" (in our false dichotomy), people can receive disability benefits for mental health reasons because they can’t work, which is very serious. So, if we want to live in a healthy society, our goal must be to care for the well-being of every member, absolutely everyone.  I would love for this idea to reach all opposition-minded Russians, especially those who can make decisions and have some influence. We need to stop, as you said, poking at each other and gloating over issues. This is part of my life in Russia and my surroundings. I didn't have a specific community. Reflecting on 2022, it turned out my surroundings weren't the worst they could be. I send greetings and respect to everyone! The worst I encountered was indifference. The war, however, is the pinnacle of dehumanization and evil, with all masks torn off and barriers overcome that shouldn't be.  Dima:  That's a separate question. We will get back to which barriers need to be overcome and which don't.  Anya:  I can't say anything specific about my surroundings except that my bubble turned out to be quite decent. Regarding my period of emigration and life in Serbia, recently in May, we had a documentary film festival "Beldocs," and they brought the film "Kundun."    Anya:  If I remember correctly, it was about Gena Marvin. Honestly, it was fascinating because I hadn’t heard of her before. Later, I discussed this with local Russian-speaking acquaintances, and some had heard of Gena Marvin—an intriguing artist outside traditional boundaries and contexts. As far as I know, she now prefers "she" pronouns, and I try to respect that. So, Gena is an artist and also an activist—political, even military. Perhaps some listeners remember the impressive performance where she wrapped herself in white, red, and blue tape outside the State Duma. It was a fantastic film.  If you get a chance to watch "Kuinton" about Gena Marvin, I highly recommend it. One reason I went to this film was to support the creators by buying a ticket. It also helped increase my awareness of LGBTQ+ people and their visibility. The more people attend such films, the more will be produced. I know that soon our wonderful local democratic society plans to show another film, though I can’t remember the title, in collaboration with the local LGBT center. My community here in Serbia is filled with many LGBTQ+ friendly people. I rarely hear homophobic jokes anymore. Instead, there's more acceptance and understanding of the issues people face. So, my life is now much more enriched in this aspect.  As for Pride events, I can’t say I’ve actively attended any. I accidentally found myself at one in Belgrade. It was interesting because I realized that in Moscow, unfortunately, I couldn’t see people freely attending Pride. The police were there to protect the Pride attendees from potential harm, which I appreciated. The police, at least from what I saw, showed no aggression or made any comments. Although I understand that many local police might still hold "traditional values," as these are strong in Serbia too.  I think many people are aware of this. When I put two and two together, I realized that the individuals I saw protesting against Pride were likely the same ones carrying icons and flags. But there were few who opposed openly.  Regarding the LGBTQ+ community here in Serbia, I happened upon an exhibition by chance. It showcased the community’s fight for rights, including photos from various Prides. Not all were peaceful, with the LGBTQ+ community facing physical violence from authorities. Last year was peaceful, but it hasn’t always been that way. Therefore, I can’t say people here feel entirely safe and comfortable. The community is in a difficult position because, formally, they aren’t oppressed. You have Pride, and it’s even protected. But societal intolerance is a significant issue.  I’ve heard that it’s harder for Serbian LGBTQ+ individuals to seek asylum because their life here is challenging, especially for openly living gays and lesbians. I attended a lecture on human rights protection mechanisms, where a listener shared an issue I wasn’t aware of. He and his friends volunteered, helping teenagers forced into prostitution due to their "non-traditional orientation" not being supported in Russia. This was shocking and horrifying, and the person sharing this noted that it’s a largely unspoken issue. There’s hardly any journalistic work on it. There was an attempt at a video format, but it was strange and one-sided. I felt a strong desire to write an article or create journalistic material about this because it’s a hidden, significant issue.  Dima:  Anya, what advice would you give to straight people to support LGBTQ+ individuals? And what advice would you give to LGBTQ+ people to support straight individuals in the current situation?  Anya:  Oh, the land of advice, right?    Dima:  Yes, no one is asking for advice. Don’t trust, don’t fear, don’t ask, don’t worry (c). But let’s try to give some advice anyway.  Anya:  First of all, as someone who has started paying more attention to the problems and difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ people, I would advise straight people to somehow let their surroundings know that they are LGBTQ+ friendly. In my understanding, the problem is that many people don't even have the opportunity to come out. I’m sure just having the chance to be open with someone is already a kind of relief.  Dima:  Anya, thank you so much.    Disclaimer:  "The podcast is the intellectual property of LGBT World Beside. All rights reserved. Views and opinions expressed in episodes featured on the podcast and website belong solely to the guests. This podcast is supported by the European Cultural Foundation and the European Union."

In this first part of the episode, we’ll discuss heteronormativity and the stereotype of the West promoting gay culture with our guest, Anya, in simple terms. Anya, a human rights activist currently living in Belgrade, shares her first impression of the pride event in the city. She talks about the vibrant impressions she felt at the event. Curious to know more? Tune in to the episode! Anya’s immersion into LGBT culture was an exhilarating experience that opened new horizons of understanding and acceptance for her. This experience helped her better understand and support the LGBT community. Ultimately, Anya’s participation in exhibitions and documentary screenings strengthened her convictions and desire to continue fighting for equality.  Episode Transcript:   Dima (interviewer):  Hello everyone. You are listening to a new episode of the podcast “Overcoming Barriers.” The aim of the podcast is not to identify specific reasons for relocation, but more about the attitudes and overcoming the boundaries between the LGBT+ community and society as a whole. In the EU, Europe, the CIS, and particularly in Russia.  Therefore, the main goal of the project is to support the hope of the LGBT+ community in difficult times and to highlight the transformative potential of personal stories. We strive to show that those who previously doubted the LGBTQIA+ community can change their views and embrace new perspectives.  This is why we decided to create this pilot podcast project "Overcoming Barriers." We believe that every person has intrinsic social value and contributes to the richness of cultural diversity.  Today, we’ll talk about heteronormativity with our guest, Anna. Anna, hello!      Anya (Guest):  Hi Dima! Thanks for inviting me to your podcast.  Dima:  Let me briefly introduce our guest to the listeners. Anna is a lawyer. Before the war, she lived in Russia and then emigrated to Serbia. She frequently travels across Europe and is involved in activism. She loves making short films. So, Anya, if it's okay with you, I'll address you informally. We are also interested in looking not only at the homogeneity of internal factors within our community and discussing our personal issues but also at how the heterosexual community perceives LGBT individuals.  What interesting thoughts can help us overcome these barriers, and what common ground do we share in the environment we all find ourselves in? That's how I see today's podcast episode with you.  Anya:  Let's do it!  Dima:  When we talk about heteronormativity, there is a widespread stereotype that the acceptance of gay culture by Russian society is something Western, something foreign. Nowadays, the term "traditional values" is often used, even by people who don't understand what these traditional values mean. There isn't a concrete definition, you can't just look it up in a dictionary or truly grasp it. What do you think? Based on your extensive life experience, is this stereotype that gay culture is being imposed by the West true or false? I started with a tough question right away.  Anya:  Yes, a hard-hitting question. I like it; it sets a good tone and rhythm for the conversation. To answer briefly, my response might surprise you, but it's "both yes and no." Now, I hope I can explain what I mean.  Anya:  I think, in general, you know, if you look into the depths, not too deep, but deeper. Throughout Russia's history, whether in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, or modern Russia, there hasn't been a normal, tolerant attitude towards LGBTQ+ people, right?  Dima:  Correct.  Anya:  Individuals.    Dima:  We can just say "LGBT+ community" for short. I think people won't mind.  Anya:  Yes, let's agree on that for brevity. As a lawyer, I want to clarify the terms to avoid offending anyone. When I say "LGBT+," I mean all the letters, whether explicitly mentioned or not.  Dima:  Of course, because behind those letters are real people.  Anya:  As you probably know, in the Soviet Union, what is now referred to as "non-traditional orientation"—a term still used in our "traditional society"—was considered stigmatizing. There was a specific law against male homosexuality in the Criminal Code. Being different and not encouraged by the state was a criminal offense. Fortunately, this specific law no longer exists, but we know of many cases. Although the law has changed, LGBT+ individuals still face persecution. People are attacked, kidnapped, discriminated against at work and school, stalked, and harassed, violating existing laws in every possible way simply because of their orientation, which some people don't understand. In this context, I think a normal attitude...  Anya:  I can't say that Western society is imposing anything on us. In my deep belief, of course, European countries would prefer to have developed, reasonable neighbors who respect human rights and treat all citizens well, regardless of race, nationality, orientation, gender, etc. They would like to see that. But I don't feel that Western society, any countries, or governments are actively imposing anything. It's not like they're sending agents or paying for advertisements.  Dima:  Anya, sorry to interrupt, but I find it quite amusing, in quotes, when people talk about Western values being imposed, they forget about the other 80 percent of the world. They forget about Asia, Thailand, and so on. You get the point—it’s seen as a Western "thing."  Anya:  Yes, indeed. It's as if the rest of the world doesn't exist, and everything is concentrated on a smaller part of the globe. From this perspective, as a Russian citizen, I don't feel that anything is being imposed on me. However, I also don't feel that these values are close to us as Russians, unfortunately. As I mentioned earlier, there hasn't been a normal, adequate attitude towards LGBT+ individuals in Russian history.  Dima:  So, if I understand you correctly, you mean that a normal, adequate attitude could take 30 to 50 years to develop the conditions for the LGBT+ community to become a fully integrated part of society?  Anya:  Yes, that would be wonderful if there were a generational shift.  Dima:  Like the theory of three unbroken generations.  Anya:  Exactly, if generations were to change, and these three generations could maintain adequate attitudes. Because right now, we're seeing anything but that. Russia is currently governed by people from the Soviet era, those so-called "wise, silver-haired individuals" who grew up under a criminal code filled with various offenses, including male homosexuality, parasitism, and treason. They could be imprisoned for practically anything. But now, if I remember correctly, LGBT is considered an ideology. It's quite amusing to call a person’s orientation or their choice of gender—if they feel more comfortable as another gender—an ideology.  Dima:  It's almost ironic that the Supreme Court of Russia has declared the non-existent LGBT community extremist. They've given us a significant opportunity to ponder the ideological aspect: are we really so dangerous just for choosing whom to love? In a society cultivated on artificial hatred, happiness and love become toxic factors. It's like looking at a distorted mirror.  Anya:  Yes, indeed. It’s interesting how remnants of the Soviet era influence this. It reminds me of the lyrics from Noize MC’s song "Traitors." I think many listeners will know what I mean—“Our riot police are so sensitive, our cops so tender, and our president so emotional.” How dangerous can we be?  Dima:  A hypersensitive society.  Anya:  Exactly. It would be easier if three generations could uphold a standard of adequate attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals. Then, I believe things would change. To answer your question briefly, I see these values as somewhat "Western," because it's in the West that people have finally realized that a person's orientation doesn't affect their professionalism, ability to be a friend, to love, or to lead a country. People understand that orientation, gender change, or being non-binary doesn't impact others. From this perspective, yes, it’s a Western value, but it's not being imposed on us. There are countries where the government is focused on the welfare of the country and its citizens without trying to impose anything on others. Unfortunately, in our culture, I still encounter more homophobia.  Dima:  Thank you so much for your detailed opinion and explanation. It's very valuable for all of us. The reason I asked such a tough question right away is that I believe the dichotomy, this artificial division between Western values and so-called traditional values, has been given specific linguistic and terminological form in the last 2-3 years. It's used by a wide range of people, including political figures, to lend weight to their ideology. Discussing this, in my opinion, helps us overcome this barrier. We can see these are artificial constructs.  Anya:  Dima, yes, thank you. Actually, this is a very interesting thought, and honestly, I hadn't considered it in this way. This artificial dichotomy indeed aims to create division, to align people with a particular camp, labeling some as "patriots" and others as "disgusting liberals." Probably, blurring these boundaries would help more in addressing discrimination and combating homophobia.  Dima:  This brings up a second question. Why is it that in European countries, non-LGBT+ individuals support the LGBTQIA+ community, while in Russia and other Eastern European countries, this harsh dichotomy persists? Do you think this is another barrier to overcome? Perhaps we should consider methods and approaches to unite people, to demonstrate, to show how to behave without infringing on others' boundaries.  As Bertrand Russell once said, "How can we all live together under one open sun, under one open sky? Or will we burn ourselves?"  Anya:  One question tougher than the other.  Dima:  Anya, it can't be any other way here.    Anya:  I see at least three reasons why people in the so-called West—yes, I am of an older generation, a millennial, and still live in this false dichotomy, please understand and forgive me.  Dima:  Understand and forgive among whom? Zoomers?  Anya:  Yes, no need to throw dislikes at me. No need to doxx me. I would highlight at least three reasons. The first reason is that as someone who doesn't join in supporting, what is the difference between a typical representative of the European community and a Russian one? Firstly, what's on the surface: it's safer for the European community member to do so.  Dima:  Just by virtue of the fact that they don't necessarily need to know this. They don't understand, for example, that a kiss in a video clip between two girls or guys could cost a million rubles in fines. That's an enormous amount of money when converted to euros. So, being gay is very expensive. What I'm getting at is that they don't go through the sodomy law; they don't provoke a moral and ethical conflict, although they do provoke it with their traditional, ideological values.  On the other hand, they take the bankruptcy approach, imposing huge fines that are impossible to cover, blocking accounts. It's obvious to everyone that a 21st-century person can't be without money. And they follow this scenario—this fictitious blocking of the possibility of social life, especially in a digital society.  Anya:  And, by the way, I wanted to mention, since we're having this conversation, which is a live discussion, that allows us to draw conclusions and correct ourselves along the way.  It seems to me that this article from the criminal code, in its various forms from punitive law in the Soviet Union, has returned, essentially. We do have provisions for propaganda, right? LGBT values, or however it's phrased. We all understand, for example,  Dima:  Sorry to interrupt, but yes, this administrative liability is established. Recently, out of personal interest, I looked at what scientific articles students are presenting at conferences. I found some in the Russian Science Citation Index—an analog of citation in Russia and other CIS countries—where students are proposing at youth conferences, I emphasize, youth conferences, the expansion of administrative liability to criminal liability, including for propaganda. So, this carte blanche given by disproportionate legislative technique of restriction and simply silencing LGBTQIA+ people, on the one hand, and the complete irresponsible approach allowing people to say whatever they want, throw stones, etc., on the other hand, is exactly the artificial barrier created by legislative technique, and it works excellently, in quotes, when it comes to the positivist approach to law, i.e., following the letter of the law rather than its natural sense of understanding that behind every law, every such article, fine, there is a real person's life.  This is what holds true value for a European person. That is, human life is a value that is priceless. It cannot be valued. In this sense, it is not an asset; it is an invaluable right.  Anya:  Yes, it's truly horrifying to hear that the new young generation, on which we place so much hope, is proposing to toughen discrimination.  Dima:  Well, yes, in essence, one person's voice here can drown out everyone else. It's not 100 percent of the students.  Anya:  Naturally.  Dima:  But there it is, one person travels to another university in another city, writes an article on this topic.  Anya:  Yes, I wanted to agree with you that the positivist approach is indeed a road to hell. The history that happened about 90 years ago is a vivid example of why the positivist approach should probably be eradicated for the most part. The law and the letter of the law are all well and good, but everyone, especially lawyers, judges, prosecutors—these are the people who, sorry for the colloquialism, I would call bearers of the idea of law, who should understand more than a non-specialist.  Dima:  Anya, this is also a very interesting question because when these two bills were being passed—1) on the expansion of so-called “gay propaganda” and 2) the transphobic bill, as you know, they included one-page records from authorized government bodies and that's it. It was just for the sake of formal reporting. No expert opinions were requested. Even some LGBT organizations, which are still trying to fight in Russia, attempted to sign up for the government hearings of these bills—they were, of course, denied. So, this is another interesting model: laws are being passed without understanding the social structure of society as such. Therefore, the branches of these traditional values are completely detached from reality.  Anya:  This relates to the first reason: unfortunately, supporting the LGBT+ community in Russia is unsafe, whereas in Europe, it is safe.  Anya:  The second reason, specifically for Russia and other Eastern European countries, and I will make a broad remark here, is that, as far as I know, these are generally more homophobic societies. Especially in Russia, where discrimination is, to put it mildly, encouraged. I believe that until a certain point, our society was making certain positive steps; a canonical example is the group Tatu, which for a while could exist peacefully on our stage and even represent Russia at Eurovision. So, certain steps forward were made. Now, of course, we...  Dima:  Yes, now the group Tatu is considered a queerbaiting group that essentially betrayed the LGBT community. One of the singers is even a member of United Russia now.  Anya:  Yes, Julia Volkova, I think.  Dima:  This is also a great example of barriers. Tatu was a public link between the communities, and there were many such links. Even among zoomers, there's Alena Shvets. The issue is that they are faced with facts and choices, and this history of acceptance is left in the past.  Dima:  I'll share an example that continues your thoughts. Recently, I was looking through the archives of the State Council, from before the creation of the Soviet Union, around the 1905s. The issue of LGBT people was being raised even back then. Yes, sodomy is an old term, but it had certain boundaries. Moreover, even state officials and advisors from a hundred years ago did not use such hateful and homophobic language. When you read the text, it is indeed old-school from a hundred years ago, but there is no outright hatred. Furthermore, some gay people supported the Bolsheviks, hoping they would lift some restrictions, including those on holding positions and professions. But when I listen to the St. Petersburg Economic Forum or the Legal Forum from last year when these laws were passed, the current officials speak with such hatred. You could compare it like a Word file to show how much the language framework and the culture of speech affect barriers and understanding.  Dima:  Summing up the first part, we can say that using the simple language of love and empathy is crucial. If you don't understand a term, as you immediately asked about LGBTQIA+ earlier, ask, learn, let's discuss it. Show empathy, show love. It is very difficult but very important. This is the first step to overcoming barriers.  Disclaimer:  "The podcast is the intellectual property of LGBT World Beside. All rights reserved. Views and opinions expressed in episodes featured on the podcast and website belong solely to the guests. This podcast is supported by the European Cultural Foundation and the European Union."

St. Petersburg's Gay Pride, which originated in 2006, became a symbol of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia. This event, held every June, brought together thousands of people in their pursuit of equality and recognition. Its history is filled with challenges and victories, and its significance extends far beyond a simple parade. History: From Challenges to Triumphs St. Petersburg's Gay Pride began under significant pressure from authorities. The initial attempts to organize parades in 2006 and 2007 were met with harsh repression and bans. However, despite all obstacles, activists continued their struggle. In 2009, the first unauthorized gay parade took place, which ended in mass arrests. This moment became a symbol of resistance and the indomitable spirit of the movement. In subsequent years, organizers and participants of the pride faced constant challenges. For instance, in 2012, a law against the "propaganda of homosexuality" was passed, which significantly limited the opportunities for public events for the LGBTQ+ community. Significance: Building Bridges and Breaking Stereotypes The Gay Pride in St. Petersburg became not only a celebration but also a powerful tool for overcoming stereotypes and prejudices. Parade participants demonstrated to society that they are an integral part of it—friends, neighbors, and colleagues. This event stimulated public dialogue and promoted understanding and respect for diversity. Each parade became an important milestone on the path to greater openness and tolerance in society. Progress and Challenges: The Path to Equality Despite certain progress in the global context, the situation with LGBTQ+ rights in Russia remained complex. Legislative restrictions and constant bans on holding gay prides indicated that the fight for equality was far from over. Nevertheless, activists did not give up, continuing to hold events despite all difficulties and threats. St. Petersburg's Gay Pride played a key role in promoting human rights and the fight for equality in Russia. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it was not only a symbol of resistance and courage but also an important step towards creating a more tolerant and open society. The LGBTQ+ community deserves the same respect and rights as any other citizen, and holding such events helped achieve this goal. The festival of pride and equality reminded us that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, had the right to freedom, safety, and respect. It was a moment when society could rise above prejudices and stereotypes, striving to create a world where everyone could be themselves without fear and discrimination.

In November, 2023, years of homophobic rhetoric and increased hostilities towards the LGBTQ+ community have culminated in The Russian Supreme Court declaring the so-called “International LGBTQ+ Public Movement'' an extremist organization, and subsequently outlawing any activities related to it. Even though this “movement” does not exist, as there is no leader, no ideology, and no legal entity to represent them, the Court still concluded  that the practices of this supposed movement adhere to the established criteria of extremist activity. For example, the LGBTQ+ “movement” is accused of instigating social unrest in attempting to classify themselves superior to other citizens and change established traditional values, especially those pertaining to religion and heteronormative family structures.      Fast-forward to March of this year, this non-existent movement has been added  to a list of terrorist organizations after the National Guard, the MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs), and a local Nationalist group “ROO” conducted a violent raid  of a gay bar in Orenburg. The raid resulted in the arrests  of the founder, Vyacheslav Khasanov, the club’s art director, and the administrator. As the investigation is still ongoing, the exact penalties the victims are facing are currently unknown. It is possible, and indeed likely, that the staff is at risk of facing up to ten years in prison  for the organization of “extremist” activities.       Organizers of such events are not the only ones affected by these new legislations. Queer activists are more likely to be targeted by the police, and can face up to six years in prison  for participating in “extremist” actions. Anyone financing such activities can similarly face up to eight years in prison. Additionally, Meduza  reports that people accused of breaking rules related to extremism may find themselves marked as terrorists by The Federal Financial Monitoring Service, which can have dire consequences on the financial freedom of the accused individuals and their families. Unsurprisingly, freedom of press is also at risk. Any publication writing about the LGBTQ+ community must make a disclaimer that it has been nationally recognized as an extremist organization, or risk a fine of 400 thousand rubles  (roughly equivalent to 4000 Euros).     Many aspects of these changes to the legislation remain unclear. Court documents which demonstrate the arguments driving these new laws are sealed from public access. Additionally, the existing laws are vague and up to interpretation of the persecutor. There are no explicit guidelines stating what one is prohibited to do, say, wear, present as, besides the vague prohibition of “supporting and organizing extremist activities”. It is likely that discussing one’s sexuality can be interpreted as recruitment for the “movement”, and any positive or supportive statements towards the queer community may be viewed as propaganda and justification  of extremist activities. However, the remaining uncertainty continues to instill fear in the common queer population, as they have no way of knowing what they might be punished for and when.       The ongoing trial of the Orenburg bar staff is the first criminal case related to the queer community since its addition to the list of extremist organizations. This means that even if the laws may remain vague, the outcome of this trial will demonstrate how these rules will play out in practice . While this may provide some clarity in estimating what behavior is punishable by law, the dismal reality is that queer people will only gain a better understanding of the ways in which they must suppress this critical aspect of their identity, exacerbating the already deplorable conditions of social isolation.      ----     But isolation is precisely the goal of these laws. Targeting and shutting down LGBTQ+ spaces deprives queer people of finding communities where they feel safe and understood. Community becomes especially crucial amidst widely disseminated social and media rhetoric that questions and vilifies their very existence. And while private gatherings are technically allowed, and it is not always possible to determine a meeting’s relation to the LGBTQ+ community at all, the government and the media will do their utmost to intimidate people from assembling by arbitrarily targeting queer spaces and individuals and making an example of them.    In February of this year, police burst into a birthday party taking place in a rented-out cottage in Koltushi. Attendees were interrogated  about their relation to the LGBTQ+ “movement” and their gender identity. When the police could not determine someone’s gender just by looking at them, they forced these individuals to expose parts of their body as evidence. All this was accompanied by physical violence and verbal abuse.     Of course, the police cannot raid every single private party organized and attended by queer individuals. But the mere act of reporting these events in the state media , along with the vague reasons and methods the police used to track down these gatherings, sends out a clear message: you are always subject to the possibility of investigation and persecution. Living under this panopticon effect, people are unsure when exactly they are being watched. This fear alone can be detrimental to creating and upholding any sense of community.    The censorship of any queer related content in the media is also an attack on the personal and private life. Streaming services, namely Wink and Kinopoisk , have been fined  around one million rubles (approximately ten thousand euros) for not flagging films which depict or even mention LGBTQ+ individuals as 18+. References and scenes related to queerness in new films and TV shows have been cut out by their distributors or simply muted and excluded from the subtitles. These restrictions add another layer of isolation for queer individuals. Films, plays, books, and other forms of entertainment have long been used as ways to reflect on issues permeating our society. Censoring media only suppresses important questions and alienates those that ask them.          Besides societal isolation, queer people will have limited-- if any-- options for psychological, social, or legal assistance as the government continues pressing down upon LGBTQ+ support centers and organizations. Accessing traditional psychiatric services puts queer people in a Catch-22 situation: the patient has to discuss their sexuality to contextualize their issues, but in turn risks being punished for bringing it up in the first place.     Dismissal of these services has been particularly devastating for transgender members of the community, as they often rely on receiving medical and legal assistance in the transitioning process. However, as of July 2023, gender affirming care has been outlawed . This means that transgender individuals are no longer able to access hormonal therapy and necessary surgical procedures. Further, the option to change one’s gender in official documents has been liquidated, and marriages with transgender spouses have been annulled. Transgender people are also unable to adopt or foster children. In short, the government’s conservative and repressive politics have been especially enforced onto the bodily autonomy of transgender individuals. Depriving them of these rights puts their lives in palpable risk, as the absence of gender-affirming care will doubtlessly increase suicide rates .      The start of these punitive measures against the LGBTQ+ community has commenced with explicit oppression of trans people. Besides being the first members to lose basic human rights, they have also been the main targets of media smear campaigns. The government’s continued crackdown on the remainder of the community sends an alarming message: anyone, at any point in time, can be deprived of their rights without impunity. And from the way latest events are unfolding, it seems like the government is committed to doing so until there is no opposition left.

More than 100 people participated in a 5-hour-long Spelletjesdag event organized by LGBT World Beside with the financial support of the Bob Angelo Fonds on November 4, 2023. This marked the seventh Spelletjesdag organized this year, and it’s noteworthy that these events are gaining popularity. At the beginning of this year, the number of participants was around 40-50. This time, two information sessions were held, both dedicated to job and career-related issues. The first information session took the form of a panel discussion featuring two former refugees, Mikhail Bilak, a specialist in data analytics at PostNL, and Vitalii Katargin, a policy adviser at the company SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank). Misha and Vitalii shared insights about their work and careers, discussed the opportunities and challenges LGBTQ+ refugees face in the Netherlands, and answered questions from the audience. More than 40 people participated in this informative session. The second information session focused on labor law, with Oxana Brizmer, the founder of Herz Lawyers, addressing pre-submitted questions and taking live questions during the event. Over 50 people participated in this session, and due to time constraints, not all questions could be addressed. LGBT World Beside expresses gratitude to Oxana for her time and effort and looks forward to her continued involvement in discussing various legal issues. Following the information sessions, a quiz game was organized, which has become a tradition for Spelletjesdag and remains one of the event’s most popular activities. The organizers and volunteers of Spelletjesdag extend their immense gratitude to the Bon Angelo Foundation for their support, which enabled the purchase of train tickets for approximately 30 participants and provided lunch. Special appreciation is also extended to Ben & Jerry’s for generously supplying their delicious ice cream free of charge. Additionally, special thanks go to Wolfgang Schreiber, a worker at the Goethe Institute Amsterdam and a volunteer of LGBT World Beside, without whom organizing the Spelletjesdag events would not be possible. #LGBT #lgbtrights #Russia