Georgia’s recent elections, which saw billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party secure 54% of the vote, are raising concerns about the country’s future direction towards Russia. Opposition parties are contesting the results, accusing the government of vote-buying and Russian-supported propaganda, sparking fears of a constitutional coup. This political turmoil mirrors the recent elections in Moldova, where similar accusations were made by pro-European forces.

For lesbians this growing alignment with Russia and its anti-democratic influence is alarming. Georgia’s political drift towards authoritarianism threatens hard-fought rights, with increasing risks of discrimination, violence, and the rollback of protections. Russia’s stance on LGBTQI+ rights is notoriously repressive, and a Georgian shift in that direction could severely impact lesbian’s safety, access to healthcare, and public space.

As Georgia stands at a crossroads, it’s crucial to support the lesbians and LGBTQI+ communities who continue to fight for their future, one where equality, safety, and European values are upheld. Our solidarity with Georgian lesbians is needed now more than ever.