**Charity Event for Kyiv Pride Met with Counterprotest**
On June 7, a charity event for Kyiv Pride took place outside the Foreign Ministry building in Ukraine’s capital. The event aimed to raise money for FPV drones that will be provided to the country’s Armed Forces by the Serhiy Sternenko Foundation. However, the charity event was met with a counterprotest from far-right groups.
**History of Violence Against LGBTQ+ Community**
This is not an isolated incident. In April, a clash broke out between police and far-right protesters outside the Zhovten cinema in Kyiv, where a LGBTQ+ film festival took place. The LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine has faced frequent threats and violence from far-right groups.
**Event Cancellation**
Kyiv Pride had previously planned to hold a separate event at the National Expo Center of Ukraine (VDNG), but it was cancelled due to police pressure. The organizers said that the police intimidated the management of VDNG, leading to the cancellation of the event.
**Growing Public Support for LGBTQ+ Rights**
Despite the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, public support for their rights has been growing in recent years. A 2023 poll found that over 70% of Ukrainians believe that LGBTQ+ people should have the same rights as others. This growing support is evident in events like Pride marches and queer cultural festivals.
**Historic March Held Last Year**
Kyiv Pride held a march for the first time since Russia began its full-scale war against Ukraine in June 2024. The event was a significant step forward for the LGBTQ+ community in the country, despite facing opposition from far-right groups.
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