Social Context: The War as a Catalyst for Ukrainian LGBTQI+ Acceptance
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has been a key driver of social transformation. Beyond being a military conflict, the war represents a clash between two fundamentally opposing ideologies: one that upholds democracy, human rights, and inclusivity, and another that enforces authoritarianism and suppresses freedoms.
A key finding from our research is the notable shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQI+ individuals in Ukraine amid the context of the Russian invasion.
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In this context, many Ukrainians have deliberately distanced themselves from Russian influence, a process often referred to as derussification. This shift includes various societal changes, such as the widespread transition from speaking Russian to Ukrainian and the decision by many to celebrate Christmas on December 24th instead of the traditional January 7th (13). Individuals in Ukraine with pro-Russian sentiments are also more likely to hold negative views of LGBTQI+ people, as Russia’s state political agenda is rooted in homophobia. Russia purposefully encouraged anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments in Ukraine as a tactic to negate Western values and ensure that Ukraine remains within its sphere of influence (14). Meanwhile, in stark contrast to Ukraine’s progress, Russia has increasingly criminalized LGBTQI+ identities, formally designating the LGBTQI+ movement as an "extremist organization" in 2023 and banning all related activities.
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Activists in our interviews consistently highlighted a significant increase in public acceptance, a trend confirmed by recent polling data. The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reported in 2024 that over 70% of Ukrainians now believe LGBTQI+ people should have the same rights as other citizens (15). The same report has also indicated that more than half of Ukrainians hold either positive or neutral views on LGBTQI+ individuals (16). It is interesting to note that the same study was held in 2022, and the data indicates a rise in positive attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community across the board.
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LGBTQI+ rights have been a notable part of this broader movement toward progressive values in Ukraine. One contributing factor is the active role of LGBTQI+ individuals in Ukraine’s war effort. Many LGBTQI+ people have joined the armed forces, challenging stereotypes and promoting greater social acceptance. While not without complications and contradictions, visibility in the military has helped shift perceptions of LGBTQI+ individuals from being marginalized to being seen as integral members of Ukrainian society (13).
The rapid progress in LGBTQI+ rights in Ukraine underscores a broader societal transformation, driven by the nation’s determination to break away from Russian influence and solidify its place within the democratic, rights-based framework of Europe. While challenges remain, Ukraine’s trajectory suggests a continued commitment to inclusivity and human rights, setting a precedent for further advancements in the post-war period.
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LGBTQI+ Laws in Ukraine
During the War
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Despite noted progress in public attitudes, legal protections for LGBTQI+ Ukrainians remain limited. Ukraine does not currently recognize same-sex marriage or adoption rights, and there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination law that explicitly protects LGBTQI+ individuals (17). However, some legal advancements have occurred, especially during the war.
The first of these advancements includes anti-discrimination protections, as Ukrainian labor laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This reform was introduced as part of Ukraine’s commitments under its EU Association Agreement.
In August 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to legalize same-sex civil partnerships, a historic move in response to a public petition. In 2023, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) advanced a draft bill that would grant same-sex couples legal recognition, though full implementation remains pending. Additionally, Ukraine does not ban LGBTQI+ individuals from serving in the armed forces, unlike Russia, where LGBTQI+ people are officially classified as having a "mental disorder" and thus cannot serve, and unlike the United States where people with gender dysphoria were discharged from service (18).
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LGBTQI+ Laws in Ukraine During the War
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Despite noted progress in public attitudes, legal protections for LGBTQI+ Ukrainians remain limited. Ukraine does not currently recognize same-sex marriage or adoption rights, and there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination law that explicitly protects LGBTQI+ individuals (17). However, some legal advancements have occurred, especially during the war.
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The first of these advancements includes anti-discrimination protections, as Ukrainian labor laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This reform was introduced as part of Ukraine’s commitments under its EU Association Agreement. In August 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to legalize same-sex civil partnerships, a historic move in response to a public petition. In 2023, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) advanced a draft bill that would grant same-sex couples legal recognition, though full implementation remains pending. In fact, as early as June of 2025, a district court in Kyiv formally recognized a same-sex couple as family for the first time in Ukrainian history, granting the recognition of their relationship as a formal marriage between two men.
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Most recently, in August of 2025, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada registered Draft Law No. 13597 and introduced an amendment to the Criminal and Administrative Codes and strengthening protections against discrimination and hate-motivated offenses (45). The bill, developed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, updates a withdrawn 2024 version (No. 5488) and explicitly adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds in the definition of discrimination (46). This initiative aligns with Ukraine’s EU Association Agreement commitments and demonstrates the country’s dedication to defending minority rights and a move toward Western values.
Additionally, Ukraine does not ban LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the armed forces, unlike Russia, where LGBTQ+ people are officially classified as having a "mental disorder" and thus cannot serve, and unlike the United States where people with gender dysphoria were discharged from service (18).
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