How did your coming-out happen in the army?

The first coming-outs made by military personnel in the Ukrainian army were very important for me. It’s Victor Pylypenko, Nastya Konfederat, and Victoria Diduk, the first transgender girl in the Ukrainian army. Their coming-outs, their experiences were crucial for me. Perhaps because of them, I wasn’t afraid to join the army. And now, after the full-scale invasion, these coming-outs are happening like a rain shower. It really affects public opinion, from what I can see. But even more, it impacts people who haven’t come out yet. We have private LGBTQIA+ military chats. Among them, there’s a chat for transgender and non-binary military personnel. There are people who are open, and there are people who are not open yet. And when I read their stories, when I talk to them, I understand why we are doing all this. I was once in their place too.

How do your military colleagues treat your gender identity?

It must be said that the Territorial Defense and the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in general, represent a cross-section of society, just like the Ukrainian people as a whole. That is, in the Armed Forces, there are as many homophobes as there are in Ukrainian society in general. There are as many LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Armed Forces as there are in Ukrainian society. The percentage breakdown is entirely the same. Especially in the Territorial Defense — here, it’s just everyone, people of various religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and family statuses. It’s a complete cross-section of society. Speaking for myself, I’ve been very fortunate with my platoon that is very tolerant. The commander’s first question to me was about my pronouns, which is a very good sign. Of course, I can’t say that absolutely everyone in the Ukrainian army is tolerant. But overall, it seems to me that Ukrainian society and the Ukrainian army are now more ready to accept and approve rights for LGBTQIA+ people.

What specific actions are needed in Ukraine right now?

Generally speaking, I think our biggest problem right now is education. The lack of basic sexual education for everyone in general. Because sometimes I just want to gather everyone and put them through a course. It would change a lot not only in the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, but also about the rights of women and men. Ukraine would become happier. And the question is not only about other people but about ourselves. People are very prone to fear certain things within themselves. Sexual education would make the lives of all Ukrainians significantly better. And most importantly, safer.