DISPATCH :: In September in cities across Russia, people gathered to thank foreigners who are speaking up for them and speaking out against the unjust Russian anti-gay laws. Canadian activist Jennifer Breakspear, executive director of Options For Health, the largest sexual health provider in Canada, organized the The Global Speak Out For Russia that took place in Vancouver this month. She shares some of the from Russia with love images and words she received with TheGGN.
My name is Andrew Nasonov. I am a journalist and LGBT activist from the city of Voronezh, which is located 500 kilometers south of Moscow.
I was extremely pleased to know that so many people around the world support us, the LGBT community in Russia. I think it’s very important that we stand together, to help each other and fight together for a world without hatred and violence.
It so happens that in Russia I see no future for myself. I cannot have a family, I cannot have children, I do not have many of the rights enjoyed by all other citizens of the country. And after I organized an action against the law banning “gay propaganda” in Voronezh on January 20, it became quite difficult to live here. Our group of 10 LGBT activists were attacked by 500 people, including Cossacks, Nazis and Orthodox activists.
I suffered. I was pushed to the ground, kicked in the head. I lost consciousness. Now I’m scared even to go out and just walk down the street because many know me in person. One time I was kidnapped by police who confiscated my passport, phone and personal belongings. They mentally tortured me, threatened and beat me and forced me to confess to a terrible crime I did not commit. I have filed several lawsuits in court, but the state court opposes us and supports the criminals.
We are going through difficult times. But I am sure that we will come to a world where human rights will be respected, and the state will take care of its citizens. We must not remain silent! We need to unite and fight for something that all people have equal rights and opportunities! Respect and love should be the main values in life. And we will make all this possible! Together with you!
Today, in many Russian cities, we also hold events called “From Russia with Love”. These events are for the foreigners who support us.
We love you! Thank you for everything!
As a nation, Canada has a responsibility to respond to the rhetoric Russia has dished on the gay lifestyle. For one to dictate how others act in public or not, due to their lifestyle, is just, well…stupid, disrespectful, and goes against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
For a new refugee to Canada who has their hearing in a few weeks, that took months to process through the proper channels, is weeks away from hearing of his fate.
This is where advocates and activists come into play. As Canadians, we have an obligation to respond with sensitivity and compassion. Lives are at stake, and under our Charter, we have the right to protest, the right to advocate, and the right to defend, on behalf of those who live in fear, simply because of who they are.