Marius Nikolaiev, a Ukrainian trans person standing outdoors, a rainbow flag around their shoulders. They are smiling happily, and the setting sun is visible in the background, along with trees and green grass. They are standing in a public park. They are wearing wire-rimmed glasses, a buttoned-up flannel shirt, and a blue sweater. They have short, brown hair which is dyed with red streaks, a chin piercing, and ear piercings. They are light-skinned.

Being QUEER in UKRAINE

Interview

2022

Ukraine (Україна), Sweden (Sverige)

Oliver Jähnke, a Swedish trans guy, interviews Marius Nikolaiev, a Ukrainian trans person living in Sweden. Marius discusses figuring out his gender identity and sexuality, the lack of Ukrainian support for LGBT+ people beyond HIV prevention, gendered languages, familial struggles, and the ongoing war with Russia, as well as legal, social, and religious issues.

Watch.

Available Summary:

In this video Marius Nikolaiev talks about being queer in Ukraine. He is currently living in Sweden because of the war and openly shared his experience of the LGBTQ community in Ukraine, about when they came out to their parents, about how gendered the Ukrainian language is, ongoing law improvements and his hopes and dreams for the future.

What he didn't mention during the interview but wants the viewers to know is the personal attacks he has been a victim of, such as being attacked with gas, being spied on, had his information published in chat for people who attacks LGBT people. And LGBT+ people in Ukraine can have to face far more things than this.

-Queers of the world, YouTube.

Entry last updated:

5 July 2026