On July 14 of this year, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a new bill that exclusively prohibits any “medical intervention aimed at changing the sex of a person” and also invalidates the legal recognition of gender for trans people in official documents and public records.
Unfortunately, this bill is not the only case of restricting the rights of Russia’s Trans and LGBIQ community. In the last decade, there has been a worrying escalation of legislative developments in Russia, which deeply violates the rights of Trans and LGBIQ people. In 2013, the passage of the “gay propaganda” law began state persecution of the LGBTIQ community, which continues to this day. The potential consequences of this new law are extremely worrying, with experts claiming that it will lead to an increase in the number of suicides among trans people. Additionally, banning hormone therapy could lead to the creation of a black market for hormone medication, putting the health and safety of trans people at risk. It is also deeply concerning that the law invalidates legal recognition of gender, leaving trans people in legal uncertainty and making them more vulnerable to discrimination, harassment and violence.
As a trans and sex workers’ community-based human rights defender organization , the Right Side NGO strongly condemns the adoption of this law in Russia, which further marginalizes and discriminates against the Trans and LGBIQ community. Trans-specific health care is an essential component of comprehensive health care that promotes the mental health and social inclusion of trans people. By limiting trans health care and legal gender recognition, the bill undermines the principle of equal rights for citizens and perpetuates discrimination and violence against trans and LGBTQ people.
We express our unwavering solidarity with Trans and LGBTQ people in Russia, whose rights and well-being are at risk today. Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO has included hundreds of LGBTIQ immigrants from Russia and Ukraine in its list of beneficiaries. We will continue to provide assistance and fight for the equality and well-being of Trans and LGBTQ people not only in the Republic of Armenia, but also in the region. Together, we must build a future where the rights of every individual are protected and respected, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Jul 24, 2023 Armenia, Yerevan
