Estonians express support for gay community of Chechnya
Many people gathered outside the Russian embassy in Tallinn on Saturday to light candles in solidarity with the gay community of Chechnya. In recent weeks, many gay men have been tortured in the Russian republic, several of whom have been found dead, or are still missing.
“With this campaign we are not only thinking of the Chechen people. It is a chance to think about everyone in the world who has had to suffer because of their sexual orientation,” head of the Estonian LGBT Association, Kristel Rannaääre, said.
“Chechnya might seem like a faraway place for Estonians. However, we are connected through our recent experience of being part of the Soviet Union. Because of that we have to remember that while the Estonian LGBT+ have been quite lucky, and we can discuss the topic freely, in many other former Soviet territories things are much worse,” Rannaääre added.
Many associations around the world have called attention to the events taking place in Chechnya, including the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA Europe), which has opened a fund to support the Chechen gay community.
The Estonian LGBT Association is a non-profit organization for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi, trans) people. Its mission is to raise awareness of LGBT issues in society through education and advocacy.
Editor: Dario Cavegn
