March 9, 2022
QUA responds to Russian war and aggression in Ukraine
QUA was founded in 2019 to support cultural exchange between the American and Ukrainian LGBTQ communities, help Queer Ukrainians settle in the US, and support the LGBTQ Ukrainian diaspora at large. After Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, our community has faced new challenges. We recognize that LGBTQ people are uniquely victimized by Russia’s war. This dark moment for Ukraine highlights the additional difficulties that sexual and gender minorities face in times of crisis.
To meet the evolving needs of our LGBTQ Ukrainian community, our team is working on a new operational strategy for QUA
Providing help for LGBTQ Ukrainian refugees in the US.
QUA is adopting several programs to assist LGBTQ Ukrainian refugees in the United States. Through our aid network, we are working to connect refugees in need of housing and other support to trusted community members who can give them assistance. We also aim to provide financial assistance where possible.
We are partnering with allied organizations that can provide assistance to LGBTQ Ukrainian refugees. We are also working on a web service where queer Ukrainians can quickly access information about where organizations are based and what services they offer. Our goal is to have a friendly environment where Ukrainian queer folks will not feel lost and can have a safe place in our community.
We are heartened by the Department of Homeland Security’s designation of Ukrainians under Temporary Protected Status. However, this still leaves many Ukrainians without legal avenues towards safe haven in the United States. We will continue to advocate for a renewal of TPS for Ukrainians in America, and for more specific pathways to prioritize resettlement of LGBTQ Ukrainians.
If you or your organization would like to get involved in refugee assistance, please contact us at info@qua.community
Helping local community and organizations in Ukraine
While we are uniquely situated to help LGBTQ Ukrainians who have been able to get to the US safely, we know that most of the country’s LGBTQ community remains in Ukraine. They need help. Thanks to the support of our donors, we are working with our partners in Ukraine on the following initiatives:
Relocation: We will provide aid to LGBTQ Ukrainians to relocate to safer places within the country
LGBTQ shelter: We are working to secure funding to open an LGBTQ-affirming shelter on the west of Ukraine.
In-kind donations: We will set up a donation checkpoint where New Yorkers can donate goods for the LGBTQ community in Ukraine and will send it to Ukrainian LGBTQ organizations and community centers.
Medical: We are also working on coverage of medical help for the community in Ukraine, especially for the unique needs of trans and HIV-positive Ukrainians.
If you are seeking to help our emergency relief efforts or need assistance, please contact us at sos@qua.community
Continued public advocacy
While the news cycle may move on from Putin’s war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict will only continue to grow, and our LGBTQ community will continue to suffer. We will continue to push for more American media coverage about the challenges LGBTQ people face in Ukraine..
We are also planning to organize protests in New York and Washington DC, highlighting that our community is under attack and in need of support.
Support LGBTQ military community
Along with their fellow Ukrainians, many LGBTQ people are joining the army to protect their country, community, and democratic values. Our team are exploring ways to support openly queer military and show them our respect. We will open a special line for donations to buy them medical equipment, safety gear, and uniforms to assist their crucial work.
As the situation changes, we will adjust our operational plan depending on the needs of the Ukrainian LGBTQ community.
Slava Ukraini | Glory to Ukraine
We seek to assist Ukrainian LGBTQ + individuals living in the US and Canada to integrate, adapt, and productively contribute to American society.
January 22, 2023
Maksym Kasyanchuk: Now all of Ukraine is feeling a little bit of what we felt in Mariupol
Read more
January 14, 2023
Photo Exhibition in Washington DC: LGBTIQ+ in defense of Ukraine
Read more
December 2, 2022
Is Ukraine the Liberal Island in Eastern Europe?
Read more
November 22, 2022
Тетяна Касьян: Про Стамбульську конвенцію, справу Джоні Деппа та камінг-аути військових
Read more
November 15, 2022
Photo exhibition LGBTIQ+ in defense of Ukraine
Read more
October 17, 2022
“США для мене стала країною, де я шукав прихистку та порятунку”
Read more
October 5, 2022
Як знайти роботу мігрантам у США: поради експерта
Read more
September 27, 2022
The butterfly effect: What Americans think about war in Ukraine
Read more
June 9, 2022
Coalition for investigating Russian anti-LGBTQ propaganda and hate crimes in Ukraine
Read more
June 5, 2022
Uniting for Ukraine program for LGBTQ community
Read more
June 5, 2022
QUA extend programs for support Uranian LGBTQI+ community
Read more
May 11, 2022
«Для того, щоб українці могли отримати допомогу, я заговорив польською». Українець Володимир Сенко працює у польському Червоному Хресті і відправляє на Батьківщину вантажі з гуманітарною допомогою
Read more
May 4, 2022
Activists of the human rights organization Kyiv Pride during the war times support the LGBT+ community, raise money for the army, and work on the media front.
Read more
May 1, 2022
“Ukraine has a much easier gender transition process compared to many European countries”
Read more
April 14, 2022
“I am pleasantly surprised how Romania welcomed us”. Irpin resident Maria Tiekuch fled the war to volunteer in Europe
Read more
April 13, 2022
Precious shelter during the war. Ukrainian human rights organization Fulcrum organized shelters in Lviv for LGBTQ people and others
Read more
April 7, 2022
My mission is to help those who need support. Public activist Anna Medko has become a “hotline” for all those who are scared of war
Read more
April 1, 2022
Attack on LGBTQ organization in Kyiv
Read more
April 1, 2022
Queer Ukrainian Activists and Allies Organize White House Rally, Call for Full Protections for Queer Ukrainian Refugees
Read more
April 1, 2022
US Temporary Shelter Assistance Program for Ukrainian LGBTQ Community from QUA
Read more
March 31, 2022
Lack of hormonal medications and inability to cross the border: The problems Ukrainian trans people face during the war
Read more
March 26, 2022
QUA to organize April 3 LGBTQI-Ukrainian Solidarity Rally
Read more
March 22, 2022
Officer of Armed Forces of Ukraine: “Hiding in the subway is worse than being on the front line”
Read more
March 1, 2022
How to donate
Read more
February 26, 2022
Aid Network for LGBTQ Ukrainian refugees
Read more
February 23, 2022
Queer Ukrainian Activists and Allies to Gather at Stonewall Inn, Denounce Russian Aggression Toward Ukraine
Read more
February 21, 2022
Nina Jankowicz about why Russia uses LGBT+ issue domestically and abroad
Read more
February 21, 2022
Viktor Pylypenko
Read more
October 1, 2021
Bogdan Globa: HOW RUSSIA EXPORTS HOMOPHOBIA INTO UKRAINE
Read more
June 14, 2021
Communication with QUA
Read more
January 20, 2021
QUA та hive.report запускають унікальний портал з інклюзивної політики
Read more
December 7, 2020
Biden-Harris Administration: Will their time in office become a renaissance for the LGBTQ community and human rights in Ukraine?
Read more
November 10, 2020
Ukraine: The liberal honeymoon for LGBTQ is over.
Read more
October 10, 2020
US political asylum 2020 – what you need to know
Read more
August 13, 2020
Open letter to Representatives Eliot L. Engel and Marcia Carolyn Kaptur
Read more
June 16, 2020
QUA: OUR ONLINE PRIDE 2020
Read more
June 9, 2020
QUA – LGBTQ Ukrainians in America are officially registered like a NGO
Read more
June 5, 2020
Justice for one is justice for all
Read more
June 1, 2020
QUA is working on the report about Russian anti-LGBTQ propaganda in Ukraine and Eastern Europe
Read more