Note from the OCC: The OCC has deliberately chosen to publish this interview, in which a trans woman relates her story of asylum from Russia due to LGBTQ+ persecution. We believe that social justice is under threat due to a number of issues that include the pressing relevance of LGBTQ+ rights in the current international context.
As we approach significant elections in various countries, including the United States and several European nations, there are growing concerns about potential regressions in human rights, particularly for vulnerable communities. The situation in Russia serves as a stark warning of how quickly hard-won rights can be eroded. The experiences that Lera, a transgender woman who fled Russia to live under asylum in Spain, shares in this interview highlight the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and societal attitudes. As conservative movements gain traction in several Western countries, there are fears that similar rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights could occur elsewhere.
By featuring this content, the OCC aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals globally and to underscore the importance of vigilance in protecting and advancing human rights. Lera’s story, and the broader context of LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, remind us of the potential consequences of complacency and the need for continued advocacy and support for vulnerable communities worldwide.
In recent years, the situation for transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Russia has deteriorated dramatically, marking a significant regression in human rights. The Russian government has systematically dismantled LGBTQ+ rights through a series of oppressive laws and societal pressure. In 2013, Russia passed the law commonly known as the “gay propaganda” law, ostensibly to protect minors from information promoting “non-traditional” sexual relationships. This legislation effectively criminalized public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity and support. The situation worsened in 2020 with constitutional amendments that defined marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman. The most severe blow came in 2023 when Russia banned all medical interventions related to gender transitions, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. This law also prohibits changing gender markers on official documents, effectively erasing legal recognition for transgender individuals.
These legislative changes have been accompanied by increased societal discrimination, limited access to healthcare, employment difficulties, and an environment of pervasive fear and silence within the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals, facing such oppression, have been forced to consider seeking asylum in more accepting countries. Lera, the interviewee who shares her story in the following article, did in fact seek and was granted asylum in Spain due to the oppression she experienced in Russia. This conversation sheds light on the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia and draws parallels to growing concerns about trans rights in other parts of the world, including the United States. Certainly, her experiences and the broader political context in Russia are a warning against the social and cultural wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, and a reminder that, without intervention, other countries may very well follow in Russia’s harrowing footsteps. Lera’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of freedom to live authentically.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current situation?
My name is Lera, and I identify as queer. I am originally from Russia, but I am currently under protection in Spain. Seeking asylum here has been an incredibly positive experience for me. I highly recommend Spain for anyone in a similar situation who may be seeking asylum.
What is the difference between being a refugee and an asylum seeker?
From my understanding, the primary difference is legal. Refugees are typically seeking protection from situations that are expected to be temporary, such as a war. For instance, people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine are generally granted refugee status because there is an assumption that the war will eventually end.
Asylum seekers, on the other hand, are seeking protection from more permanent threats, such as oppressive regimes or systemic discrimination. If your life, health, or rights are in danger in your home country due to long-term issues, you would typically seek asylum rather than refugee status.
When did you come out as trans, and were you aware of the dangers in Russia at that time?
I was aware of the dangers in Russia long before I came out, but the situation deteriorated significantly after I did. I came to terms with my identity and came out in 2022. At that time, Russia already had some laws oppressing LGBTQ+ people. However, in the following years, the situation became much worse, leaving me with no choice but to leave the country.
Can you elaborate on how the situation worsened? What specific challenges did you face?
The legal system in Russia does not actively pursue every LGBTQ+ individual, as they lack the resources to do so. Instead, their strategy is to instill fear and silence the community. If you remain discreet about your identity, you might avoid direct problems, but that is no way to live.
Personally, I faced discrimination in various aspects of my life. I was excluded from clubs at my university due to my identity. I was denied accommodation in the university dormitory because they could not decide whether to place me with male or female students, despite my legal gender marker being changed to female.
These may seem like small issues, but they significantly impact one’s quality of life. Many trans people in Russia face even worse challenges, such as difficulty finding employment, especially if they lack prior work experience.
How does the legal system in Russia treat trans individuals?
The situation has become increasingly dire. Until 2022, it was possible to legally change your gender marker and access hormone prescriptions. I managed to do this just before the laws changed. However, since 2023, it is no longer possible to change your gender marker, get hormone prescriptions, or access any gender-affirming surgeries. Everything related to gender transition has been prohibited.
It is important to note that while the letter of the law is one thing, its application can be arbitrary. In Russia, the interpretation and enforcement of laws often depend on individual police officers or courts, which creates a climate of uncertainty and fear.
Does the Russian government monitor all LGBTQ+ individuals?
The Russian government does not have resources to monitor every individual, they are spending their money on war right now. If they were a wealthier country they would attempt to monitor every individual. The United States is a wealthy country, they have the resources to monitor all their citizens, not just the outspoken ones.
What prompted you to seek asylum in Spain specifically?
I had been planning my escape for about a year and a half, even before the major restrictive laws were enacted. I researched various countries, considering factors such as ease of entry from Russia, likelihood of being granted protection, and ability to survive in the country while seeking asylum.
Spain stood out for several reasons. Firstly, it is more relaxed about granting asylum to people facing general discrimination, not just those under immediate threat of criminal charges. Secondly, Spain offers practical support: until you find a job, you are provided with housing and some money for food. This level of support is not available in many other countries.
Can you describe the process of leaving Russia and seeking asylum in Spain?
The process was complicated and nerve-wracking. You cannot simply fly directly to Spain from Russia as you need a visa, which is difficult to obtain. Instead, I had to book a flight to Peru with a layover in a Spanish international airport. This is legal without a visa if there is no change of terminal and the layover is less than 24 hours.
To avoid suspicion, I had to book a hotel and a return trip. Upon arriving at the Spanish airport, I approached border control and requested asylum. I was detained for three days while they processed my case and ultimately granted me entry.
How has your experience been in Spain so far?
It has been incredibly refreshing. For the first time, I feel free to be myself. The contrast between life in Russia and life in Spain is stark, and I have been ecstatic for weeks since arriving here. Although I am still in the process of managing my hormone therapy within the healthcare system, I remain hopeful about the future.
What message would you like to share with LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia or other oppressive countries?
To those still in Russia or facing similar situations, I want to say that I understand the hardships you are facing. I know I was privileged to be able to escape, and it is not possible for everyone. But if you can gather the funds and find the courage to leave, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life in countries that respect LGBTQ+ rights is truly liberating.
To people in more progressive countries, please be aware that there are places in the world where life for LGBTQ+ individuals is horrific. Do your best to support politicians who promote compassionate policies for asylum seekers and immigrants. And to those in the United States, please exercise your right to vote. The political climate in the U.S. can have far-reaching consequences for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
Lastly, and I say this to everyone: stay informed and engaged. The rise of conservative ideologies threatens LGBTQ+ rights globally, but if we pay attention and take action, we can prevent the world from regressing. There is hope for a more inclusive and accepting future, but it requires our collective effort.
This interview was led by Mallory Mast Taylor, a Political Science and Public Affairs Master of Arts student and research assistant at SLU-Madrid.
To quote this article or video, please use the following reference: Taylor (2024), “From Russia to Freedom: A Trans Woman’s Asylum Journey in Spain” (https://crisesobservatory.es/from-russia-to-freedom-a-trans-womans-asylum-journey-in-spain/)
The OCC publishes a wide range of opinions that are meant to help our readers think of International Relations. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and neither the OCC nor Saint Louis University can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the opinion of the author and/or the information contained therein.
Photo is copyright of interviewee.