LGBTQ+ Activism and Anti-Gender Mobilization in Wartime Ukraine

This talk will examine the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ activism in Ukraine during the ongoing Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. While Russia’s aggression has intensified nationalist rhetoric and mobilized conservative actors, it has also opened unexpected political and social spaces for advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Ukrainian activists have strategically framed their advocacy for same-sex partnerships within broader struggles for democracy, resilience, and alignment with European values. At the same time, they have faced growing resistance from anti-gender groups who exploit wartime insecurities to reinforce traditionalist agendas. By tracing both the gains of LGBTQ+ movements, such as increased visibility, public support, and legislative debates, and the challenges posed by anti-gender mobilization, this talk will highlight the paradoxical effects of war on gender and sexual politics. It also reflects on the ethical and political dilemmas LGBTQ+ activists navigate while balancing personal safety, donor expectations, and nationalist pressures in a context of existential struggle.