A kiss at a bus stop. A stolen glance on a first date. These are moments of courage that come with severe consequences for LGBT+ people in Russia.

Under an oppressive regime,  systemic discrimination has become a daily reality. Love is no longer celebrated. The Russian government is trying to erase the LGBT+ community from existence, using the law as a weapon to silence voices, silence stories, and silence love itself.

In the past year alone, violence against LGBT+ people has escalated. Almost half of LGBT+ respondents in a recent survey reported experiencing some form of violence or discrimination, up from 30% just two years ago. Transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable, with 31% living in poverty and 7% in extreme poverty, struggling to access even the most basic necessities. Over half avoid seeking medical care due to the fear of discrimination.

Meanwhile, the government continues its campaign of repression. Just last year, the Supreme Court ruled the “international LGBT movement” as extremist, and individual activists are now being targeted. LGBT+ journalist Vadim Vaganov was even branded an “extremist” simply for his queer activism.

And this repression is spreading. From Russia to Hungary, Uganda to the United States, governments are using the same tactics to divide societies and target LGBT+ communities. The more we stay silent, the more it spreads. 

But there is hope, and it lies in the power of communities and solidarity. From Moscow to Krasnodar, from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad, the fight for freedom continues. Love, fear, resilience, and risk – these are the threads that bind the lives of LGBT+ people across the country.

And just as repression doesn’t stop at Russia’s borders, neither does our solidarity. 

Add your name to this solidarity message today, and stand with the brave LGBT+ community in Russia who refuse to be silenced, refuse to be erased. Your voice matters. Your action matters.