– The attack on the St. Petersburg Pride on Saturday 29 June, the massive arrests of Pride participants, as well as recent legislation prohibiting so-called “homosexual propaganda” or “non-traditional sexual relations” clearly show that organizations like Coming Out are urgently needed, says Mina Skouen, Project Manager in the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.
Russia was ranked as the worst country for LGBTI rights in Europe by ILGA Europe (http://www.ilga-europe.org/) earlier this year. Coming Out has suffered from a series of negative events endangering their ability to continue efforts to protect the rights of LGBTI persons in Russia.
– By helping us to raise funds for fines and legal support to our organization, you will give us the opportunity to continue our work, and to continue defending ourselves in Russian and international courts, Coming Out says on its webpage.