Queer People and the War with Putin: A Battle That Began Long Before Ukraine
In recent years, Vladimir Putin has emerged not just as a geopolitical adversary to the West but as a staunch opponent of LGBTQ+ rights. Queer communities have been battling Putin for years. This conflict can be traced back to at least 2016. His anti-LGBTQ+ stance became increasingly weaponized then. This was alongside a campaign to undermine democratic institutions in the UK, the US, and beyond.
Putin’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Position
Vladimir Putin’s regime has systematically targeted LGBTQ+ communities as part of its broader strategy to consolidate power by promoting a conservative, nationalist agenda. Since 2013, Russia has enacted “anti-gay propaganda” laws. These laws criminalize positive representation of LGBTQ+ identities. They effectively silence advocacy and education. These laws serve not only to oppress LGBTQ+ people within Russia but also to project a vision of Russian society rooted in traditionalism and hostility towards perceived “Western decadence.” This framing positions LGBTQ+ rights as a foreign threat, an encroachment on Russian values.
Putin’s rhetoric and policies have had chilling effects. They embolden hate crimes, suppress activism, and paint LGBTQ+ people as second-class citizens. But beyond the borders of Russia, Putin’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance aligns with his broader strategy of exploiting cultural divides in the West. Putin presents Russia as a defender of “traditional values.” He aims to gain favor with far-right factions in Europe and the US. This strategy further polarizes these societies.
Russian Interference in UK and US Elections
The queer community’s conflict with Putin is not only cultural but also political. Since at least 2016, Russia has been accused of meddling in both the UK and US political systems. In the US, Russian interference was evident during the 2016 presidential election. Operatives allegedly used a sophisticated disinformation campaign. This campaign aimed to sway public opinion and promote divisive issues, including those related to LGBTQ+ rights. In the UK, similar tactics have been employed to influence Brexit, destabilizing the political landscape in ways that undermine democratic institutions and potentially erode protections for marginalized communities, including queer people.
The Russian interference strategy has been clear: to exacerbate societal divisions, create chaos, and foster distrust in democratic processes. For LGBTQ+ communities, this is particularly concerning. These attacks threaten the fragile progress made in recent years on civil rights and equality. Putin’s strategy aims not just to disrupt political systems but to roll back the advances in human rights that queer people and their allies have fought so hard to achieve.
Why Queer People Should Care About Ukraine’s Fight
The war in Ukraine is often framed as a territorial dispute or a conflict over regional influence. However, for queer people and their allies, it’s also a fight against a regime that represents the antithesis of LGBTQ+ equality. Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression is, in many ways, a stand against the same forces of oppression that have targeted queer communities globally. It’s a battle for self-determination, human rights, and the right to exist without fear.
Supporting Ukraine’s defence is not just about resisting territorial expansion. It’s also about confronting the broader ideological war waged by Putin’s Russia. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, it will embolden his regime. This also signals to other authoritarian leaders that oppressing LGBTQ+ people, among other marginalized groups, is not only acceptable but a viable political strategy.
A Call to Action: Support Ukraine, Defend Our Rights
To queer people and allies across the globe, the message should be clear: the fight against Putin is our fight. We must pressure our governments to support Ukraine fully. This includes allowing Ukraine the freedom to use its weapons within Russia. This stance isn’t about warmongering. It’s about ensuring Ukraine has the means to defend itself effectively. It also helps prevent further aggression.
By supporting Ukraine’s fight, we stand against a regime that seeks to undermine more than just one nation. It threatens the very principles of human rights and equality. We must recognize that the battle for queer rights and the fight against authoritarianism are intertwined. Supporting Ukraine is supporting a world where LGBTQ+ people can live freely and openly, without fear of persecution or oppression. It’s time to act, to speak up, and to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of this fight for freedom.