LGBTIQ Newcomers from Ukraine: Challenges and Current Needs

Pride House, Thu 4 Aug 3:00 PM–3:45 PM

Since the end of February when Russia invaded Ukraine, many LGBTIQ Ukrainians have decided to flee to Sweden in order to seek refuge and protection. This panel explores particular challenges that queer Ukrainians experienced in their home country, as well as the treatment that they receive today in Sweden in terms of support and access to services.

The government of Sweden has initiated a series of supporting mechanisms for those Ukrainian refugees who seek protection in this country. Considering the specificity of the intersection of being a refugee and LGBTIQ person, this panel explores first-hand experiences of queer Ukrainians. In addition to exploring government support and its relevance for the LGBTIQ community, this panel focuses on non-governmental initiatives directed towards this target group, as well as to what extent international queer solidarity helped these individuals to feel included.