A safe space for us : KyivPride's LGBTQ+ refugee shelter | Xtra Magazine
Kyiv Pride is one of Ukraine’s most influential queer organizations. Led by a small group of dedicated activists, it has spent the past decade advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in Ukraine. But Russia’s invasion changed everything and forced organizers to pivot toward new forms of advocacy and support. Despite these challenges, Kyiv Pride continues its work.
Kyiv Pride has been busy operating a new LGBTQ+ refugee shelter, which it launched in mid-May. Lenny Emson, Executive Director of KyivPride, spent weeks trying to find a suitable location—many landlords were unwilling to work with him, partially because of anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice, but also because they were concerned that refugees would damage their premises.
The shelter now provides LGBTQ+ refugees with a few days of accommodation, giving them time to breathe until they find more permanent housing. The exact location of the shelter must be kept a secret to avoid harassment from far-right groups, but it is a two-storey apartment with a large, attic-like space that holds approximately 20 beds. The expansive lower floor doubles as a community centre. Though Ukraine’s outflow of refugees has significantly slowed since the beginning of the war, Emson notes that many refugees are returning home, and shelters will be important for them.
Though much attention has been given to queer refugees, not all queer Ukrainians have been displaced. “Some people don’t want to flee. They want to stay where they are. They want to stay in their country,” Emson says. “There is a part of the community that wants to protect the country, so they joined the military and territorial defence units. I want the international community to know that we equally support everyone, and we equally respect everyone. This is what is important: to respect every choice and to respect every point of view.”
“People do not see the big chunk of the community that is staying in the country. It is important to see this part of the community and respect their choice as well, and to help them. We need to support these people on the ground, with food, medications, shelter and all these needs.”
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