WAR: Ukrainian lesbians find safety in Poland

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, many Ukrainians have been stranded without a house. While Romeo, a gay dating app, has been assisting LGBTQI+ Ukrainians, another non-profit has stepped in to support them. Lesbians from Ukraine are being assisted by the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community in finding temporary housing in Poland.

A volunteer told Business Insider that keeping a low profile was crucial. Poland is one of the countries that does not recognize gay and lesbian weddings.

ALSO READ: Gay dating app Romeo assists LGBTQI+ Ukrainians find shelter

EUROCENTRALASIAN LESBIAN* COMMUNITY

The EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community is an intersectional network that works to increase lesbian visibility and well-being throughout Europe and Central Asia.

“Using the word ‘lesbian’ is part of the political struggle for visibility, empowerment and representation,” writes the community.

They use the term lesbian with an asterisk to refer to those who are bisexual, transgender, or queer, as well as those who are involved in lesbian activism.

In February, the group began providing temporary refuge to Ukrainian lesbians.

UKRAINIAN LESBIANS FIND SAFE HAVEN IN POLAND 

Nadia, a Ukrainian actress, and her spouse, Ania, a school administrator, live in two different Ukrainian cities. Things took a turn for the worst when the Russian government attacked Nadia’s city, forcing her to flee across the country to Ania’s house.

“We spent a week running between the apartment and a bomb-shelter,” Nadia told Business Insider.

“We would go to bed in the hallway hugging and at least we knew that we are together if something happens.”

Helena Vukovic, a volunteer with the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community, assisted them when they landed in Poland. Despite their reservations, Vukovic and the other residents of the safe home welcomed them with open arms.

The EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community values maintaining a low profile. Vukovic explained that they don’t reveal the whereabouts of the safe houses for a reason.

“We choose rural areas and not cities, so there are not many people around.”

“I do not hide – ever – in my life. But this is for a bigger goal,” added Vukovic.