On February 24, 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, leading to continued bombardment, thousands of deaths, and, at the time of writing, the displacement of around one quarter of the entire population. In response to the ongoing situation, Oisín Kenny lists various organisations appealing for donations to fund the urgent supplies of shelter, food, medication and psychological support needed, and to assist relocation to safe places.

Oisín Kenny

Ukraine saw ten million people fleeing their homes due to the Russian invasion, according to a statement released on March 20 from Filippo Grandi, the United Nations refugee chief. Yet, despite this need for evacuation, members of the Trans community are voicing fears of being stopped by authorities at the borders because their passports and documents contain their “old names”. Some Trans women worry they will be conscripted into fighting since their country does not allow men between the ages of 18-60 leave.

The Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (KAOS GL) illustrated the ongoing effect of Russia’s attack on the lives of queer communities; “While the torture against LGBTI+ is going on in the detention centres in Chechnya, the invasion started by Russia towards Ukraine would lead LGBTI+ hostility to become widespread also in our region.”