An educational series about LGBT servicemen in the Armed Forces of Ukraine was filmed in Ukraine. This is an important step towards inclusion in the army (and not only)

On the Ukrainian national educational platform "Diia.Osvita" (a project of the Ministry of Digital Transformation) has released a new large-scale project — an 11-episode series dedicated to the life, rights and challenges of LGBTIQ+ people in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This course was the result of cooperation between veterans' organizations, human rights defenders and the state with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands.

Why is this necessary?

The main goal of the project is Break stereotypes and help build healthy communication within departments. The authors emphasize: people with different experiences and identities serve in the Ukrainian army, and the effectiveness of the unit directly depends on mutual trust and respect. Discrimination, on the other hand, undermines combat capability by forcing people to hide an important part of their lives and distracting them from combat missions.

What's inside the series?

The course consists of 11 episodes, in which experts (including Azov veterans and defenders of Azovstal) explain the basic concepts:

• Scientific approach: Why sexual orientation is not a choice or "propaganda".
• Legal protection: How anti-discrimination norms work in Ukrainian legislation.
• Practical skills: how to recognize bullying, use the correct terminology and create a psychologically safe climate in the team.

The series is intended not only for commanders and psychologists, but also for cadets, doctors and ordinary citizens. After watching, you can take a test and receive a certificate.

Context: Ukrainian society is changing

The launch of such a product on a state platform reflects tectonic shifts in Ukrainian society. According to recent polls 68% украинцев положительно относятся к участию ЛГБТ-людей в защите страны. Для сравнения: если в 2016 году равные права для ЛГБТ поддерживали лишь 33% респондентов, то в 2024 году этот показатель вырос до 70%.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky also supported an open dialogue on this topic, saying: "We are all with you here, we are defending the state. We are the same, and we have the same rights absolutely, despite any prejudices of people from the 15th century."

What's next?

Despite the progress, the LGBT+ military still faces systemic challenges, the main one being the absence of the institution of civil partnerships. This deprives them of the opportunity to visit partners in intensive care, make medical decisions for a loved one, or receive state support in the event of his death.

Nevertheless, the emergence of the course "Diia.Osvita" is a clear signal that inclusion is becoming part of the new military culture of Ukraine. As the authors of the series note, a strong army is an army where everyone is in their place, and the only ideology is victory.