EL*C at the First Ukrainian National Lesbian Conference: Standing in Solidarity, Building a Pan-European Movement

This October, from the 14th to the 18th, the EL*C team — staff and Board members alike — will travel to Kyiv to take part in a HERstoric event: The First Ukrainian National Lesbian Conference, organized by our long-time partners at Insight NGO.

In Insight’s own words:

“In times of war, we are witnessing a rise in conservatism and increasing backlash against gender and sexual rights. Our calls for equality and protection from violence are being ignored. Yet throughout this time, lesbians have remained on the frontlines of resistance — defending the country, supporting communities, and organizing aid for those most vulnerable. Still, our experiences, needs, and rights are continuously deemed ‘not a priority.’ It’s time to change that”.

This conference is a call for recognition, courage, and collective strength. For the EL*C, it’s a moment to reaffirm our solidarity with Ukrainian lesbians and activists, to celebrate Insight’s leadership, and to amplify the resilience of our movement across Europe and Central Asia.

🔹 Our Political Framing

Our presence in Kyiv will highlight EL*C’s ongoing connection with the region — from our 2019 Lesbian Conference in Kyiv (2nd Edition), to our humanitarian aid supporting Ukrainian Lesbian Refugees and GBV work — and affirm our belief that Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia are part of Europe and must be supported on their path towards EU integration.

At a time when the US is shifting further towards conservatism, Europe must take responsibility and ensure that no community in the region is left behind. Lesbian rights are part of Europe’s democratic future — and this conference stands as a milestone of resilience, solidarity, and collective power.

🔹 During the Conference: Live from Kyiv

Follow us on our social media channels as we document the journey — from our departure to our return. Through live updates, images, and stories, we’ll share:

Europe’s duty of solidarity and support for Ukraine and the region.
The visibility and strength of Ukrainian lesbians organizing in wartime.
The shared struggle for equality that connects us all across borders.

This is more than a conference: it’s a moment in lesbian HERstory.

Don’t miss it. Stay tuned on our channels and join us in showing solidarity with our Ukrainian sisters:

IG: @elc_lesbiancommunity
Facebook: ELC Eurocentralasian Lesbian Community
Threads: @elc_lesbiancommunity
Bluesky: EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community – EL*C
TikTok: @elc_lesbiantok