Emigration for LGBT people from Russia and Belarus: myths, reality and current difficulties at the end of 2025

Sometimes, scrolling through gay blogs and stories of relocators, you get the impression that every gay man in Russia, Belarus (and Kazakhstan) urgently needs to sell his apartment, give the cat to his mother, buy a one-way ticket and enjoy life in Europe in a week: wine on the terrace, residence permit, therapy and complete rainbow happiness.

And now I've come across a real case when one of my subscribers dropped everything, went into the unknown and, to put it mildly, is shocked by what and who he is facing, and I feel a little guilty about it.

Well, let's be honest: the reality is much more prosaic and harsher than the Instagram stories of successful immigrants. Behind each story there are months, or even years of preparation: endless waiting for documents, visa refusals, nervous breakdowns, life in third countries "on bird's rights" and a constant feeling that you are exhausted even before the start.

Potential threat vs real threat

A key point that many miss is that a potential threat is not the same as a real one.

A real threat "These are direct persecutions: a criminal case, physical attacks, the publication of data with threats or denunciation from the security forces. Potential - the general climate: laws on "propaganda", the ban on the "international LGBT movement" as extremist, the fear of being noticed and life in encryption.

Public organizations help primarily those who are really threatened by prison or immediate danger. Resources are limited: there are few places in the programs, as well as lawyers and money.

I'm not saying, "Stay and be patient." If you have the strength, leave. But think with your head, check the information and do not romanticize. This is not an escape into the sunset, but a marathon on broken glass.

The situation at the end of 2025: it has become even more difficult

Unfortunately, the ways of emigration continue to narrow. Repression in Russia/Belarus is intensifying (more cases of "extremism", raids, persecutions), and Europe is tightening migration controls.

Humanitarian visas to Germany: The program (§23 AufenthG) is severely limited after the change of government in 2025. The "fast track" has been canceled, visas are issued only in exceptional cases - to high-profile activists with strong ties in Germany (journalists, "foreign agents"). For ordinary LGBT people who live quietly, this is almost inaccessible. The treatment drags on for months, the chances are minimal. Organizations like Quarteera advise, but emphasize that they are issued very rarely.

Transit through Spain: From July 2025, Russians with ordinary passports need an airport transit visa (TAP) even for the international zone in Madrid (Barajas), a popular hub for flights to Latin America or beyond. Without it, they will not be allowed on the flight. Exceptions: a valid Schengen visa or residence permit in the EU.

The big picture in the EU

There are no mass programs for Russian LGBT people. Asilum (Политическое убежище в Германии, – прим. Doberman.media) It is possible only on the spot (come and submit), but it is difficult to get there. 

Alternatives: work, study, family visas — if you have resources. Many are sitting in third countries (Armenia, Georgia, Serbia), but the risks are growing there as well.

This is really not "arrived - protected". Now there is an even bigger marathon: searching for routes, collecting evidence, waiting.

My experience

It can be described in one sentence. I met a guy in Moscow. He turned out to be a German. I got married, learned the language, moved. The whole journey took three years, my boyfriend waited 8 years for recognition. These are just numbers, behind them there is a standby mode. Career? On pause. Expensive purchases? Why, I'm going to leave soon anyway! New acquaintances? You don't need to, because you'll leave anyway. And here you are waiting for a great future. And you come here and the fuck begins.

Advice: 

• Check the latest information. Consult in advance. But no one will give you a clear plan because no one will take responsibility for failure. Remember that in case of a potential threat, the main thing is to cross the border and "surrender" to the police.
• If the threat is real, seek emergency help through LGBT networks. Hold on, think strategically, and take care of yourself.