During the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition in the United States dedicated to LGBTQ+ servicemen in Ukraine, a live video broadcast of a greeting from the head of the Ukrainian Union of LGBT Military Forces had to be abruptly interrupted, as a warning was issued about the start of a “rocket attack from Russia”. This incident was unanimously covered by American publications of the corresponding “pink-blue” specificity.
Gay soldier flees Russian missile attack during speech honoring LGBT Ukrainian servicemen
– was the title of the LGBTQ Nation message.
The publication clarified that the Ukrainian speaker was gay soldier and LGBTQ+ activist Viktor Pylypenko, who also founded the Ukrainian LGBT Military Union. The photo exhibit itself in the US was touted as an effort to highlight “the importance of promoting equality for LGBTQ+ military personnel”, as Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana said. Markarova at the opening ceremony.
The LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of us, whether here or in Ukraine. The sooner we can end all discrimination, the sooner we will win not only on the battlefield in Ukraine, but also around the world.
Markarova also said.
Another edition – Los Angeles Blade – adds:
Many Ukrainian LGBT+ activists with experience participating in Euromaidan events join the ranks of the territorial defense forces or are trained in paramedic care. Last August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his support for same-sex civil partnerships and possibly same-sex marriage. Ukraine has banned employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity since 2015, and Zelenskyy pledged to continue the fight against LGBTQ+ discrimination after meeting President Joe Biden at the House White last year.
Photos used: instagram.com/shad0ff
