The authorities of Russia and Belarus condemn LGBTQ people. However, it is worth noting that in Belarus, unlike Russia, where the official policy is aimed at discriminating against LGBTQ people, there are no laws that directly discriminate against the LGBTQ community. However, LGBTQ people in these two countries face discrimination and unacceptable behaviour in their workplaces, schools and public spaces. Violence and assault are also possible, including by law enforcement ...
One of the reasons for discrimination is the lack of legislation protecting the rights of LGBTQ communities. In Belarus and Russia, there is no law that would protect citizens from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This leads to many LGBT communities facing discrimination and unrespectable treatment in places of work and study.
What should I do?
I can't give an exact prediction about your future, but I want to say that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be as valuable a member of society as anyone else. In the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, there is discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. People who identify as gay often face barriers in areas such as employment, housing, education, health care, services, etc.
Some organizations and individuals can help gays and lesbians, but in general, the level of support and tolerance is low. It is important to remember that all people have the right to equal treatment, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Therefore, taking into account the developing events of late....the best option is Leave. Unfortunately. The fact is that the risk of persecution and violence for LGBTQ people in these countries has been great before. But in Russia, the situation is worse than in Belarus, since homophobia is enshrined there as a state ideology. Taking into account the fact that the legislation of Belarus and Russia is getting closer and closer, most likely, everything will soon be bad in Belarus. LGBTQ people who live in Russia and Belarus should not count on an official wedding in their country in the next 10 years, nor on congratulations when coming out.
It is important that you understand that in Russia, people who do not hide their non-traditional orientation are persecuted on an equal basis with civil society activists and opposition politicians. There is a high probability that the same will happen in Belarus. With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many of the gays left both Russia and Belarus. At the moment, there is still only to leave … This is the harsh truth.
I remind you that if you are an LGBTQ person and experience persecution in Russia or Belarus, you can definitely leave on a humanitarian visa. Write to Quarteera (Germany), they will tell you more. I note that not everyone can just leave for LGBTQ refugees, because you need an extensive case: you have been detained, beaten or tortured at least once.
I can't leave. I'm staying. What should I do?
For example, living in Belarus and being an LGBT person is not as scary as in Russia. I advise you to seek help from friends, family and professional organizations that can provide psychological support and advice on how to cope with the difficulties you are facing. It is important that you have people who will support you and be there for you in difficult moments.
LGBTQ+ GROUP "COMING OUT"
They protect the rights of LGBTQ+ communities and help queer people live more peacefully in Russia. They have been working since 2008.
Contact the Republican Youth Public Association "Vstrecha" (hereinafter referred to as the RMOO "Vstrecha"). Don't let the name "Republican" scare you... In this organization, they will help you and answer all your questions. Don't be afraid to reach out to them. In the "Meeting" you can find friends, get free advice and psychological help. In addition, they give free HIV tests, condoms and lubricant 🙂
MINSK, Storozhevskaya Street, 8
Hotline: +375 (17) 397-27-18
Mob. Tel.: +375 (33) 389-57-18
MOGILEV st. Pervomaiskaya, 29, of. 420, 418a
Hotline phone: +375 (222) 77-80-81
Mob. Tel., Viber, Telegram: +375 (29) 247-77-77, +375 (33) 382-81-58
GRODNO, Dzerzhinsky St., 40, office. 11 or the entrance from the street is on the back of the building
Hotline: +375 (152) 62-10-70
GOMEL st. 2nd Revolutsionnaya, 8, bldg. 1, k. 1-2
Hotline: +375 (232) 53-83-97
BREST, Sovetskaya Street, 25 (entrance from the courtyard)
Hotline: +375 (162) 530-777
VITEBSK, 15 Berestenya St., room 20 A and 20 B (you can find us on Google maps: Vstrecha Vitebsk)
Hotline phone: 8 (0212) 67-14-03
Also try to surround yourself with tolerant people, try to make sure that everyone is in close circle knew you were gay. A close circle can be 1-2 people. This will make it easier for you to live. How to achieve this? Find LGBTQ+ friends so you can support each other. The worst thing is when no one accepts you. You need to find a community where it's okay to be gay. It is easier when you understand that you are not alone and no one will judge you. But outside of your environment, try to be careful. Unfortunately, that's all you can do.
You can also seek help from LGBT organisations who can provide you with information on how to protect yourself from discrimination and other types of support.
Goal: "To become part of the gray mass"
Discrimination by the authorities and society affects the daily lives of LGBTQ people. If you are inhibited, and you do not have the opportunity to remain yourself, then it is possible, you should contact a psychologist online or offline, if there is no opportunity, then find an LGBTQ party or tolerant friends. Remember that in spite of everything, there are more and more people in society who accept, understand, and are tolerant. Many people have been living in Russia / Belarus for many years and have never encountered any homophobia.
If your lifestyle was too "provocative" (makeup, manicure, clothes), then I think that you will have to completely change your image and become part of the gray mass, because, most likely, any self-expression may seem strange to the police, and they will have a reason to get to the bottom of it.
For the most part, people are not homophobic, but in recent years, at the political level, such hysteria has been whipped up around other people that it becomes scary: at any moment a persecution of witches can begin, and no one will protect you, as a result, people will be forced to live as closed as possible. This is the bitter truth.
And remember that the authorities do not have the strength to chase everyone. Now it is more important for them to destroy civil society, eradicate any opposition and catch everyone who is against the authorities. However, we advise you to leave the country in case of a real physical threat. Naturally, local authorities will try to persecute people selectively. And, perhaps, they will be helped by all sorts of homophobic activists who will snitch on everyone.
"Be careful" is the main advice to everyone who remains in Russia or Belarus now.
And do not forget that there will definitely be a separate holiday, when the ballet of the gay Tchaikovsky will be launched in the box as a sign of farewell to the homophobic maniac.
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