Russia’s Supreme Court Bans LGBT Movement as “Extremist”

On 30 November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court recognised the “international LGBT Movement” as “extremist”. TGEU expresses its solidarity with trans and LGB people in Russia and calls for international support.

What are the risks?

Under Russian “extremism” law, any support or even mention of an organisation named “extremist” can be considered a criminal offence. Following the Court’s ruling, wearing a pride symbol or mentioning LGBT issues on social media can be punished by up to 4 years in jail. The ruling targets ordinary people living in Russia in an unprecedented way. It thus does not only endanger organisations or visible activists but also any trans or LGB person, their family members and allies. It also invites coercion on grounds of the perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression of a person.

What can we do?

This is the most recent of Russia’s systematic anti-trans and anti-LGBT policies. TGEU is actively working with partners and decision-makers worldwide to protect the local trans community and will continue to provide further updates and analysis of this repression. We call upon stakeholders and activists to support our trans and queer siblings in Russia in these dark times. 

As a first step, we urge you to sign and share the petition by German-based LGBT organisation Quarteera demanding a quick and streamlined asylum procedure for trans people from Russia to Germany.

What if I need help?

If you are a trans person from Russia or Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine and you need support, please reach out to us at tgeu@tgeu.org, and we will do our best to help you.