Be part of bringing queer stories from Ukraine across Europe
European Exhibition Tour – A collaboration between J. Lester Feder & Queer Emergency Aid Ukraine
The Queer Face of War by award-winning journalist and photographer J. Lester Feder is the first in-depth visual and oral history documenting an lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (lgbtiq+) community living through war. The project gives voice to queer Ukrainians – soldiers, medics, activists, refugees, and survivors of war crimes – revealing both the harsh realities of war and systemic discrimination, as well as the extraordinary resilience, agency, and self-determination of the community.
The Fight for Democracy Against Authoritarian Homophobia
The Queer Face of War also tells the story of how Russia weaponized homophobia to attack Europe’s democratic principles as it fights closer ties between Ukraine and the EU. This strategy has since been adopted by authoritarian parties across the EU and the world: attacking queer people to undermine fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. Vladimir Putin justified his war in part as a crusade to protect “traditional values” from the LGBTQ+ movement. Queer Ukrainians have been fighting back, demanding equal rights while defending their country. This exhibit is an opportunity to talk about the importance of defending LGBTQ+ rights as part of the broad effort to defend democracy.
Queer Lives Amidst War
Queer Ukrainians are also especially vulnerable to the hardships of war. Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda has led to war crimes targeting queer people, as Feder reported for The New York Times in an award-winning essay. Ukraine has few legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, and queer organizations have been driven into exile or stretched thin responding to humanitarian needs.
Exhibition & European Tour
Realised in collaboration with Queer Emergency Aid Ukraine (QNU), The Queer Face of War combines journalistic storytelling with grassroots expertise and community insight to create an urgent, authentic, and impactful exhibition.
Its stories matter and resonate far beyond Ukraine: across the globe, authoritarian leaders use anti-queer rhetoric to undermine democracy. In this context, the exhibition becomes a beacon of visibility, resistance, and solidarity. lgbtiq+ visibility is not just representation – it is power and a measure of democracy itself.
In Spring/Summer 2026, the exhibition will embark on a European tour, bringing these stories directly to international audiences at:
- Vienna, May 2026 – The Queer Face of War has been selected as an official part of the “offstage” program during the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. This is a prime opportunity to reach a pan-European audience, featuring special programming for the 2,500 delegates to Eurovision as well as a two-week exhibition open to the general public at the Atelier Galerie Roland Puschitz.
- Berlin, Summer 2026 – location to be confirmed, creating space for transnational exchange and collaboration with local queer communities, accompanied by a talk and conversation with the artist and other cultural and political stakeholders.
- Brussels, Date TBD – Currently, we are exploring opportunities to bring the exhibition to Brussels, aiming to connect with European policymakers and cultural stakeholders to amplify the stories of queer Ukrainians.
- Warsaw, Date TBD
- Amsterdam, July – August 2026 – Selected by the WorldPride Empowerment Fund as an official collaboration partner and receiving financial support for its realization, the exhibition will be presented to the public during WorldPride, under the central theme of UNITY.
The exhibition creates a space for insight and dialogue: Brings the lived realities of queer Ukrainians – their struggle, resilience, empowerment, self-determination, and pride – vividly to the forefront of European public discourse, it fosters visibility for a marginalized community, and situates queer Ukrainian narratives within broader discussions about human rights and democracy.
Touring multiple European cities and key cultural and political events, the exhibition amplifies the voices of queer Ukrainians while educating and engaging audiences across the continent.
Be Part of Bringing These Stories to European Audiences
It’s urgent to keep Europeans engaged in supporting Ukrainians and inspiring them to fight for democracy and LGBTQ+ rights. We have an opportunity to present The Queer Face of War at some of Europe’s most important cultural events this year—but we need your help to do it. Your contribution will help cover the essential costs of producing the exhibition prints, gallery and exhibition fees, and the travel and lodging of the artist, who will join events to share the stories behind the photographs and engage in conversations with audiences.
Every contribution helps ensure that these stories of queer Ukrainians living through war can be seen and heard across Europe – and ensure that the voices of queer Ukrainians are not overlooked.
You can donate to us by bank transfer or use our online donation form.
Donations by bank transfer
You are welcome to donate to us by bank transfer. When doing so, indicate the reference “Queer Face of War”.
Aktionsbündnis gegen Homophobie e.V.
Sparkasse Trier
Konto: 10 10 321
BLZ: 585 501 30
IBAN: DE55585501300001010321
BIC: TRISDE55XXX
The Aktionsbündnis gegen Homophobie is a non-profit association and is responsible for the finances of the Queere Nothilfe Ukraine alliance. Donations to the association are tax deductible. With direct transfers, we save fees that are otherwise incurred by online payment service providers. The donations are earmarked for the collaboration project by Queere Nothilfe Ukraine.
Online-Donation
You can also donate by using the following form. For your convenience, there is a language switcher on the right upper corner of the form („EN“).