( NY Pride )
In Russia today,being yourself can be
a crime
For LGBTQI+ people in Russia, their identity makes them a target for arrest
In November 2023, Russia's Supreme Court declared the so-called "International LGBT Movement" an extremist organization. Despite the fact that no singular “International LGBT Movement” exists,
this ruling created a legal framework that allows authorities to target LGBTQI+ people, activists, community leaders, and even ordinary citizens.
Today, people risk criminal prosecution simply for supporting LGBTQI+ rights, displaying a rainbow flag, participating in community events, or speaking openly about who they are. What was once discrimination has become state-sanctioned persecution.
A community under pressure
Law and Consequences
Following the Russian Supreme Court’s decision, not only individual LGBTQI+ people but also the country’s entire independent LGBTQI+ community came under threat. Today, nearly all major LGBTQI+ organizations in Russia have been designated as extremist organizations and are forced to continue their work underground, facing significant risks to their staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Millions of LGBTQI+ people have effectively lost access to organizations that provided legal assistance, psychological support, community services, and emergency help.
Key Statistics
71%
of LGBTQI+ people in Russia do not feel safe. Many avoid seeking help from police, government agencies,
or healthcare providers because they fear discrimination or retaliation.
Reality
6M
queer and gender-diverse
people in Russia.
a young woman forced to hide her queer relationship from friends and family
a trans woman being denied gender-affirming care
a gay man fearing for his life
and freedom
The story of Andrey Kotov
One of the most tragic examples of LGBTQ+ persecution in Russia is the case of Andrey Kotov. Andrey was the director of Men Travel, a travel company serving gay clients.
In 2024, he was arrested on charges related to alleged involvement with an extremist organization. According to human rights organizations and media reports, he experienced violence during detention and severe psychological pressure while in custody.
In December 2024, Andrey died in pre-trial detention.
"His death became a symbol of what happens when a government turns an entire community into a target simply because of who they are: and his story is not unique. Across Russia, LGBTQI+ people continue to face investigations, arrests, threats, and imprisonment for living openly or supporting their communities."
Identity withheld for safety reasons
Behind prison walls
A letter, a care package, or a visit from a lawyer can signal
that someone is watching and someone cares. Sometimes,
that attention can save a life
Harassment and violence
LGBTQI+ prisoners often face harassment, humiliation, physical violence, and abuse
Isolation
Some prisoners are placed in isolation and cut off from support networks
Denied medication
Access to essential medication and healthcare can be restricted
or unavailable
No one left to advocate
Many suffer in silence because there is nobody left to defend their rights
Why your support matters
This fundraiser provides direct support to LGBTQI+ people imprisoned in Russia and to the families left behind when a loved one is arrested. When someone is taken into custody, even a small amount of support can make the difference between survival and despair.
Provide legal defense and access to independent lawyers
Deliver food, warm clothing, medicine, and essential supplies
Help prisoners stay connected with their loved ones through letters and communication support
Assist families who lose income after the arrest of a family member
Document human rights violations and abuse in detention facilities
Raise international awareness about the persecution of LGBTQI+ prisoners
Contact us
