LGBT troops on Ukraine's front line fight homophobia at home

In Kyiv, Ukraine, a corner of the central square is covered with thousands of small blue and yellow flags, each representing a fallen soldier. Recently, activists added flags with unicorns to honor gay soldiers who have died in the war. The deaths of LGBT soldiers have highlighted an inequality in Ukraine. Gay marriage is illegal, so when these soldiers die, their partners cannot decide what happens to their bodies or receive state support. Rodion, a 30-year-old costume designer, came to plant a flag for his former boyfriend Roman, who was killed in a missile attack near Kharkiv. Rodion pointed out that death is the same for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The war has intensified the fight for equality, with Rodion stating that he cannot wait another 30 years for change.

Over the past decade, attitudes towards LGBT rights in Ukraine have shifted significantly. While many people now support LGBT rights, some still hold conservative and homophobic views. The presence of openly gay soldiers on the front lines has challenged these prejudices. Last year, a bill was introduced to allow same-sex couples to have civil partnerships, but it has stalled in parliament. LGBT soldiers have reported bullying and harassment within their units. Mariya Volya, a 31-year-old soldier, came out as gay after nearly dying in the war. She posted her coming out on TikTok, but her commander told her to delete it. She received a lot of online hate and had to transfer units. Mariya now works as a radio engineer near the front line but still faces discrimination.

Mariya and her fiancée Diana attended the first Pride march in Kyiv since the war began. They joined other LGBT soldiers in chanting for victory and equality. The organizers called for more weapons and civil partnerships. Legalizing gay marriage is not possible right now because it requires changing the constitution, which cannot be done under martial law. Mariya expressed her desire for her fiancée to be protected if something happens to her. The Pride march was tightly policed to prevent attacks from anti-LGBT groups, and only 500 people were allowed to attend. The marchers were quickly moved underground when far-right protesters appeared. In parliament, a bill for civil partnerships has been blocked by a committee of MPs due to pressure from church leaders. Some MPs are working to win over the bill's opponents. LGBT soldiers and activists are coming to terms with the possibility that the war might not bring the changes they hoped for.