Crimea: Gay woman ‘fearful’ of life under Russia
A Crimean lesbian has said she is terrified that an anti-gay propaganda law will be imposed by Russia.
Yelena, who has four children with her partner, told AFP that Russia’s annexing of Crimea from Ukraine had left her worried for her family.
The openly gay school teacher spoke only on the condition that her last name was not printed, as she fears that if a propaganda law is imposed, she may have to go “back in the closet”.
She said: “Our children consider us both mothers and call us both mums.
“They are not aware of the laws adopted in Russia. I can’t even imagine how I’ll be able to explain this to them, and that you cannot talk about this.
“Every day we are pulled hither and thither.”
According to AFP, Crimea is not yet subject to Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law, however, some Russian politicians have already begun calling for it to be turned into an “oasis of morality”.
Ukraine had previously attracted criticism from Amnesty International for ignoring anti-gay discrimination, but gay groups had seen closer ties with Europe as a gateway to more rights.
Gay theatre director Anton Romanov said: “[In Ukraine] there is light at the end of the tunnel. In Russia there’s no such light.”
