On January 16th, we held a webinar dedicated to amplifying Ukrainian Prides. We heard from Kharkiv Pride, Kyiv Pride, Pride in UA, and Odesa Pride. Each organization shared their work, challenges, and aspirations, as well as their experiences during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Kharkiv Pride has existed since 2019 and has continued its work despite the war. Their initiatives include Women’s Solidarity Week, a feminist educational and human rights event held since 2015, and Pride Hub, the only LGBTQ+ community center in the region, which has been operating since 2018. However, from 2022 until September of last year, Pride Hub was closed due to safety concerns.
After February 24, 2022, Kharkiv Pride had to adapt, shifting its focus to humanitarian aid, psychological support, and professional development. Despite the daily uncertainty of war, they remain committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in a country with limited legal protections.
Kyiv Pride plays a central role in organizing a charity educational festival as part of Pride Month, along with the Equality March. They have also established scholarships for LGBTQI individuals and internally displaced people in professions such as UI design, motion design, graphic design, internet marketing, and targeted advertising—fields that are particularly relevant in today’s job market.
Other key initiatives include:
- An informational campaign promoting the revival of Pride movements in Kyiv and across Ukraine.
- Several lectures on queer culture in Kyiv.
- The Kyiv Pride Awards, which recognize LGBTQI-friendly businesses and media.
- Online psychological support sessions for the community.
Looking ahead, Kyiv Pride plans to:
- Organize workshops on self-defense, information security, and financial literacy.
- Hold the Kyiv Pride March 2025.
- Host a charity educational festival.
- Facilitate discussions on SAFE Friday in Ukraine, with participation from police representatives, activists, and NGOs.
However, challenges persist, including homophobic extremism, safety concerns, and limited funding.
Pride in UA focuses on underrepresented groups, particularly trans and intersex communities, ensuring their visibility within the broader LGBTQ+ advocacy movement.
Odesa Pride, established in 2015, has focused since 2022 on supporting and strengthening local communities. One of their key projects documents stories of resilience from individuals in southern Ukraine, sharing their experiences and how they have coped with the war.
What Can Be Done by EPOA members?
- Read and share reliable information about the situation in Ukraine and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Include Ukrainian LGBTQI+ organizations in your agenda.
- Establish collaborations with Ukrainian LGBTQI+ organizations.
- Create platforms to increase the visibility of the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community at your Pride events.
- Offer guidance, help, and support to Ukrainian queer refugees across Europe.
- Support activists, including individual activists, and provide educational opportunities for them.