Conference Theme: “Lesbian Identities: Visibility, Support, Struggle”
We are living in times that challenge everything we know. The world around us is rapidly changing: war, rising violence, political instability, attacks on human rights and gender equality. All of this is felt particularly acutely by those who live at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities.
Our identities, experiences, relationships, our love and anger are increasingly questioned, ridiculed, or used as tools of political pressure.
But still, we exist! We are alive. We resist. We create.
This year’s Lesbian Conference will take place October 15–18, 2025, in Kyiv.
It will be a space for strength, support, sharing experiences, and a collective vision for our future. Over 100 lesbians* from Ukraine and other countries will gather to declare: our voices matter, our experiences are real, and our future is shared.
The conference program has two main tracks:
Track 1. Visibility in Times of Danger and the Struggle for Ukraine’s Independence:
How do we maintain our voices when we are forced into silence? How do we resist when our rights are used as propaganda tools? This track is about the courage to be ourselves, about media, public presence, resistance, and the power that comes through community.
Key Questions:
- How do we change perceptions of lesbians in society?
- As lesbians on the frontline of Ukraine’s struggle for independence, how can we enhance our visibility?
- How do we respond to lesbophobic rhetoric?
- How do we ensure others hear us?
- What narratives do we need to speak not only of the pain points but also of joy?
Track 2. Support and Care as a Strategy of Resistance
When institutions fail to protect us, we seek safety in each other. Care is not weakness; it is a political act. This track is about psychological support, lesbian solidarity, and our chosen families.
Key Questions:
- How do we support each other when resources are limited?
- What does feminist collective care look like?
- How do we stay united despite differences in experience, regions, and identities?
- How do we create safe spaces when violence surrounds us?
We Invite:
- Lesbians* from Ukraine and around the world;
- Activists, researchers, artists, psychologists, volunteers, and others;
- Representatives of organizations and initiatives working with lesbian and LGBTQI+ communities;
International partners and allies who wish to hear and support our voices.
Participation Conditions:
The number of participants is limited (up to 100), so please complete the application form by August 1, 2025. Participants selected by the organizing committee will receive confirmation by August 20, 2025.
Participation in the conference, for those selected by the organizing committee, participation in the conference is free of charge. Accommodation and transportation for selected participants from regions of Ukraine will be covered by the organizers.
This is a crucial time for us to come together, share experiences, laugh, cry, and embrace each other. A moment to remind ourselves and the world once again that we were, are, and will be. In our strength. In our visibility. In our struggle.
How to Participate:
Fill out the application form by August 1, 2025.
Confirmation of participation will be sent by August 20, 2025.
The organizing committee will review applications considering diversity, experience, and community involvement.
Travel and accommodation expenses for participants from regions of Ukraine who are confirmed for selection will be covered by the organizers.
For Ukrainian participants residing abroad, partial coverage of expenses may be possible upon request.
For international participants: Registration here
We could also provide invitation letters upon request (after participation is confirmed).
For questions regarding participation, logistics, or financial support, please write to: [email protected]
* women who have non-heterosexual relationships and practices