On Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, Queere Nothilfe Ukraine publishes its first report on support in Ukraine
Berlin, August 24, 2025 – On the occasion of Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, the alliance Queere Nothilfe Ukraine (QNU, Queer Emergency Aid Ukraine) is publishing its first comprehensive activity report. The coalition of LGBTIQ+ organizations from Germany was founded in 2022, the day after the war began, as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis faced by queer people. Queer life is especially endangered in times of war: by structural exclusion, invisibility, and concrete threats to life and safety. The report covering the years 2022 to 2024 documents these aid efforts, highlights the specific needs of queer people during war, and shows what it means when queer people do not leave each other behind.
Since the outbreak of Russia’s war of aggression, the independence Ukraine gained from the Soviet Union in 1991 has once again come under acute threat. In a referendum in December 1991, more than 90% of the population confirmed the country’s sovereignty. Today, August 24, 2025, more than 30 years later, the war is massively challenging Ukraine’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty.
The struggle for independence and self-determination is existential and multifaceted
For queer people in Ukraine, the pursuit of independence – and the threat it faces – is not only a geopolitical concern. It is, as Oleksandra Semenova, deputy head of the Ukrainian LGBTQI+ aid organization You Are Not Alone, explains: “a deeply personal and political experience.”
The long-standing struggle of queer people for recognition, visibility, and rights is now reflected in a broader political context. Simultaneously, their situation has become even more precarious as marginalization and violence drastically increase. Semenova continues:
“It’s a day when we are reminded that our struggle for independence has many layers. We are not only resisting an external enemy — we are also fighting for the right to be ourselves within our own society: to be visible, to be safe, to live without fear.”
–Oleksandra Semenova, You Are Not Alone
Unbroken solidarity: Generous support from the queer community and its allies
For the past 3.5 years, the alliance has worked to provide concrete assistance to queer people in and from Ukraine and to foster long-term structural change. In its very first year, the alliance raised 800,000 euros – the largest LGBTIQ+-specific fundraising initiative of its kind ever launched in Germany.
Now, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, QNU is releasing its activity report for 2022–2024 to take stock, provide insights, and raise visibility.
The report shows how QNU, in collaboration with thousands of dedicated supporters, has been able to provide emergency assistance for queer people in and from Ukraine. All of this has been driven by solidarity: since its founding, the project has been enabled and driven forward by passionately committed volunteers from the queer community – people who have taken a stand with their Ukrainian allies. Among them is Pavlo Stroblja, founder of Queermentor, who has played a pivotal role in the alliance for years:
„As a queer Ukrainian, I know what it means to fight for visibility and safety – not just politically, but existentially. The war strikes queer people twofold: we defend our national independence – and at the same time our right to live as ourselves. When our identity is attacked, we respond with integrity. Reclaiming is our way of standing up – and carrying others with us. Queere Nothilfe Ukraine stands for exactly that: for lived solidarity, for safe spaces in a state of emergency, and for a future in which independence includes queer people as well.“
– Pavlo Stroblja, Queermentor und TEDx Speaker
More than partnership: International cooperation with local impact
One Ukrainian partner organization that QNU has supported financially in recent years is the human rights organization Gender Zed. Through this collaboration, vital medication was made accessible via a pharmacy voucher system, psychological counseling was offered in the Zaporizhzhia region, and relocation and housing costs for evacuated staff were covered.
„For Gender Zed, this collaboration has been more than just a partnership – it became a true example of international solidarity built on trust, flexibility, and an understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ+ community during wartime.“
– Rostyslav Milevskjy, Gender Zed
The situation remains serious – support is essential
Despite enormous solidarity, overwhelming generosity from the community and allies, and a growing network of partners, the situation of many queer people in Ukraine and on the move remains precarious. The war continues – as does the urgent need for concrete assistance and sustainable structural support.
Those who wish to donate and continue supporting queer people in and from Ukraine can find all the necessary information on QNU’s donation page.
Further information, figures, and insights can be found in the Activity Report 2022–2024.
About the alliance
Queere Nothilfe Ukraine is a coalition of various organizations from Germany’s LGBTIQ+ community. It supports queer people who had to flee Ukraine as well as those still living in the country. At this link you will find an overview of the participating organizations, petition signatories, as well as images and further information.
For inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Louise Juhl | presse@queere-nothilfe-ukraine.de