Where there is a will, there is a way: adaptation strategies of Russian LGBTQ NGOs to repressions after the onset of the war in Ukraine

Abstract

This thesis investigates the adaptation strategies of Russian LGBTQ non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in response to escalating legal and societal repression following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Utilizing data from 17 in-depth interviews with leading LGBTQ activists, the study identifies the primary risks and challenges faced by these organizations, including legal persecution, safety and security threats, funding difficulties, and mental health crises. The research highlights the significant impact of restrictive legislation, such as the 2023 law completely banning gender transition and the 2023 Russia Supreme Court ruling declaring the LGBTQ movement extremist. These laws have forced many NGOs to adopt various adaptive strategies, ranging from covert operations, digital security measures and relocating staff to innovative funding pathways, fostering international partnerships and the implementation of mental health support measures such as retreats for burnout prevention. This research contributes to the understanding of the resilience and adaptability of NGOs in autocratic regimes, offering insights applicable to other regions experiencing similar political shifts.