Sitara Thalia Ambrosio

Photojournalist and Visual Storyteller.

Fragile as Glass: LGBTQI+ people in Ukraine facing the Russian invasion.

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Focus: Documentary, Multimedia, News, Photography, Foreign, International News, Freelance, Humanitarian, Life, Impact, Assignments, Human Rights, Multimedia Journalist, Magazine, Editorial, Publications, Newspapers, Storyteller, Climate, News Reporter, Visual Editor, Political Journalism, Digital Journalism, Print Journalism, War, Environmental Stories, International Stories, Digital Media, Portrait Photography, Social Justice, Reportage, Visual Journalist, Visual Storyteller

Clients: Die Zeit , Brand eins, NZZ am Sonntag , WOZ die Wochenzeitung , RND

Yehor H. (left), 20, and his b...ed the same studies last year.

Yehor H. (left), 20, and his boyfriend Andrew (right), 24, normally live in Kyiv, but fled to Lviv in western Ukraine during the first weeks of the Russian invasion. Andrew is currently writing his doctoral thesis in film directing. Yehor just started the same studies last year.

Yehor, March 2022, Lviv

“I feel unstable. Everything that is happening in the world right now shows that the world is as fragile as glass. During these days when there is a war unfolding in my country, I find myself overwhelmed with fear about everything.”

Snow-covered tank barriers on ...n army was forced to withdraw.

Snow-covered tank barriers on the Euromaidan in Kyiv. At the beginning of March 2022, they were used to protect the city from a possible invasion by the Russian army, that only made it as far as the suburbs outside of Kyiv. Many of the internally displaced people have returned to the capital after the Russian army was forced to withdraw.

Yehor H. is sitting on the bed...ongoing war is very difficult.

Yehor H. is sitting on the bed next to his friend Arkedii. For the last few weeks, Yehor H. has been living here in Arkedii's apartment. After coming back to the capital with his boyfriend Andrew in summer, their relationship has not always been easy. Living together didn't work anymore and Yehor H. had to move out. Finding a place to live during the ongoing war is very difficult.

The view from the balcony of t...avorite neighborhoods in Kyiv.

The view from the balcony of the apartment blocks in front of Yehor H.’s new home. After months of searching, he finally found a room in a shared flat in the beginning of december. He now lives in one of his favorite neighborhoods in Kyiv.

Yehor (20) lives and studies f...raine, in the city of Nikopol.

Yehor (20) lives and studies film directing in Kyiv. He was born and grew up in the south of Ukraine, in the city of Nikopol.

Yehor H., 20 years old. Kyiv, December 2022

“Before autumn, the impact of war on my life was primarily characterized by the constant fear of air sirens and missiles, but now it affects me on a daily basis, especially during power outages when I return to my dark and cold apartment. Lying under the blanket becomes a way to shield myself from overwhelming feelings of emptiness and loneliness. My depressive episode got worse, leaving me without the strength to get out of bed. The news from my hometown, where my mom and grandma currently reside, has worsened, with Russian missiles posing an increasing threat. At times, I find myself just sitting on my bed, contemplating if I can endure it any longer. I yearn for it all to stop. I don't know if it's connected to my identity as a gay person, but during the war, I sensed a heightened pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity, that I should be a manly man that protects his family and friends. But I’m not.”

Yehor's grandmother Li...ids are part of everyday life.

Yehor's grandmother Liubov H. (70) holds a picture, which shows Yehor and his family. He grew up in her apartment in Nikopol. During his time looking for a new flat, he would have liked to come here to rest and find time for himself. But the city is located near the front. Artillery shelling and air raids are part of everyday life.

Liubov H. (70) and her husband...ely damaged by such an attack.

Liubov H. (70) and her husband Myhail (69) stand on their balcony on the top floor of the house. It is a building from the Soviet Era. From here they can look at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. On March 2nd, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency disseminated Russian news that the nuclear power plant had been occupied by Russian troops in the course of the invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the Russian army has used the site to shell westward. The windows of the couple's balcony have been severely damaged by such an attack.

Nikopol is shelled on a daily ...ose who cannot afford to flee.

Nikopol is shelled on a daily basis. Holes caused by rockets or shrapnels characterize the cityscape. Many of the former inhabitants of Nikopol have left the city a long time ago. Those who remain are mostly elderly people or those who cannot afford to flee.

The basement of the house wher...bout them every day and night.

The basement of the house where Yehor H. grew up. These days it serves his grandparents as a place to sleep and bombshelter. Since a shrapnel broke the windows of the balcony, they no longer dare to spend the night in their bedroom. Yehor worries about them every day and night.

Since 2022, Russia has been at... not work without electricity.

Since 2022, Russia has been attacking vital infrastructure such as energy suppliers with air strikes. The result is constant power outages throughout most of the country. Sasha N. also feels the effects in western Ukraine. In a small supermarket in Lviv, he buys fruits and vegetables while the power is completely cut for several hours. Having cash is particularly important these days, as many card readers do not work without electricity.

Sasha, 22, lives in Lviv and s...planned in all possible areas.

Sasha, 22, lives in Lviv and studies international relations there. On the side, he works as an administrative assistant in the city youth center, where youth development projects are planned in all possible areas.

Sasha N, 22 years old. Lviv, December 2022

"I worry about queer people in Ukraine, because, to me, it feels like a small family, and we all have to support each other. Especially during the war, LGBTQI+ individuals have emerged as a significant source of strength for both LGBTQI+ civilians and the military. LGBTQI+ organizations find humanitarian aid for LGBTQI+ refugees, establish shelters, and organize psychological support groups. I am most worried about the members of the LGBTQI+ community who are fighting or volunteering in hot spots, because if someone dies or is injured, their partners lack any legal rights to burial, inheritance, or hospital visitation. Additionally, I feel a sense of insecurity due to persistent manifestations of homophobia and intolerance. However, there is a glimmer of hope as the percentage of tolerant individuals has increased slightly, and the government has taken some steps to support the queer community.”

Sasha N. met his boyfriend Rom...other support in times of war.

Sasha N. met his boyfriend Roman in the first weeks of the war. Sasha always carries a love letter from that time in his cell phone case. The two give each other support in times of war.

Sasha N. and his boyfriend Rom... about his sexual orientation.

Sasha N. and his boyfriend Roman lie together in bed and cuddle. Sasha does not always show his love openly. Out of fear of hostility, he is careful talking about his sexual orientation.

Sasha N. lives together with h...e a business out of necessity.

Sasha N. lives together with his best friend, also named Sasha. Their apartment is located on the outskirts of Lviv. The area is more affordable and therefore attracts young people. Since many refugees from the east moved to the west of the country, some landlords in Lviv raised the rent significantly to make a business out of necessity.

Sasha N. celebrates her 21st b... the question: How to move on?

Sasha N. celebrates her 21st birthday together with her roommates in their shared apartment. The group of friends ordered sushi and bought alcohol. Sasha says that it's moments like this that have become particularly important to her, since the beginning of the war. Such little ones like to celebrate birthdays with their friends. But even on this evening, conversations keep turning to the war and the question: How to move on?

Sasha N. and her friend Olena ...ontinues to work here in Lviv.

Sasha N. and her friend Olena are lying in each other's arms on Sasha's bed. The two have known each other for many years and are best friends. Olena is currently studying in Germany, while Sasha continues to work here in Lviv.

On Sasha N.'s shelf ne...otos from the time before war.

On Sasha N.'s shelf next to her bed there are Polaroid photos from the time before war.

Sasha, 21, studies physiotherap...ern Ukraine with physiotherapy.

Sasha, 21, studies physiotherapy and lives with her best friend in Lviv. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, she has been working in a military hospital, helping wounded soldiers who come from the embattled areas in eastern Ukraine with physiotherapy.

Sasha N., 21 years old. Lviv, December 2022

“Everything has changed. I’ve stopped planning my next day. I now truly cherish light, warmth, connections, my friends, my family, and my job. The war has changed everything, yet it has also revealed the most important things in the world to me. Amid the struggles brought by the war, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, I personally have experienced and continue to grapple with PTSD. I believe nearly every Ukrainian is facing some form of mental challenge due to the war. It may sound unconventional, but finding joy in life has become of utmost importance. Whether it’s a day following a barrage of 100 missiles in Ukraine, or an evening lit by candles with hot tea and blankets after enduring three days without heat—these simple moments have taken on great significance.”

A sunset in front of the kitche... who had to flee from the East.

A sunset in front of the kitchen window of Yeva Lotta Y.'s apartment. At the beginning of the Russian invasion in March, she had housed acquaintances and friends in the apartment who had to flee from the East.

Yeva Lotta Y. stands outside o...n express herself in this way.

Yeva Lotta Y. stands outside one of her favorite cafés in Lviv and smokes. The café is a place for art and always has changing exhibitions. Thanks to a power generator, there usually is electricity even during blackouts. Yeva Lotta emphasizes that art is very important to her because she can express herself in this way.

Yeva Lotta Y, 19 years old. Lviv, March 2022

“Putin‘s occupation of our territories would mean not only the loss of the land itself but the forfeiture of everything we hold dear as a nation, first and foremost our freedom. I see no reason to continue living without my freedom, as most Russians do. I don’t want anyone else to dictate decisions for me. I want to make them myself. I want to create enough space for myself to do the things I like to do. And I want to have enough space to fight for the things I want.”

Yeva-Lotta, 19, lives and stud...ed in gender-political issues.

Yeva-Lotta, 19, lives and studies psychology in Lviv. Together with her friend she lives in a shared apartment. She describes herself as a feminist and is interested in gender-political issues.

Yeva Lotta Y. and her friend N...eir thoughts and try to relax.

Yeva Lotta Y. and her friend Nastya, whom she knows from her studies, together in a bar in Lviv in the evening. Here they exchange their thoughts and try to relax.

A friend stung Yeva-Lotta a ta... Ukrainian territorial waters.

A friend stung Yeva-Lotta a tattoo the first weeks of the war. Translated, it says something like "Russian war ship go and fuck yourself." The phrase is well known in Ukraine because it was the final message sent to the Russian missile cruiser Moskva by Border Guard Roman Hrybov on February 24, 2022, during the Russian attack on Snake Island in Ukrainian territorial waters.

In large parts of the country s...ren's hospital in Lviv.

In large parts of the country sandbags protect buildings from splinters of possible missile impacts. This is also the case in front of the children's hospital in Lviv.

Edward R. puts on makeup in his flat in Kyiv.

Edward's tattoos are v...domly arranged question marks.

Edward's tattoos are very important. The question mark on they wrist stands for the name, which Edward chose after coming out. The mark comes from the character "The Riddler" in a Batman movie, whose outward identifying feature is a green costume covered with randomly arranged question marks.

Edward R, 37 years old. Kyiv, December 2022

“I would like to continue my transition, but now it’s impossible. I don’t want to rely on Hormone Replacement Therapy when hormones might become inaccessible. I’m scared to change my documents now, as it would require spending around one month without a valid passport. In times where there is a constant risk of danger or death, having valid documents is crucial. This, for me, is the primary challenge of being trans* in this war.”

Edward R., 37, (non-binary) li...blicly at events on the topic.

Edward R., 37, (non-binary) lives in the capital and works as a communication officer at Kyiv Pride. For the rights of LGBT people in Ukraine, Edward also speaks publicly at events on the topic.

Edward R. is a project assista...viduals or groups is too high.

Edward R. is a project assistant at the Kyiv Pride organization. Here they organizes a movie night for the community. The film evening is important for many young queer people, not only to be able to switch off, but also to exchange experiences from their everyday lives. The premises of Kyiv Pride are not open to the public. The fear of attacks from homophobic and right-wing individuals or groups is too high.

Residential neighborhoods in K...ember 2022, covered with snow.

Residential neighborhoods in Kyiv in December 2022, covered with snow.

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LOVE

Thumbnail of Yehor H. (left), 20, and his bo_ted the same studies last year.

Thumbnail of Snow-covered tank barriers on t_an army was forced to withdraw.

Thumbnail of Yehor H. is sitting on the bed _ ongoing war is very difficult.

Thumbnail of The view from the balcony of th_favorite neighborhoods in Kyiv.

Thumbnail of Yehor (20) lives and studies fi_kraine, in the city of Nikopol.

Thumbnail of Yehor's grandmother Liu_aids are part of everyday life.

Thumbnail of Liubov H. (70) and her husband _rely damaged by such an attack.

Thumbnail of Nikopol is shelled on a daily b_hose who cannot afford to flee.

Thumbnail of The basement of the house where_about them every day and night.

Thumbnail of Since 2022, Russia has been att_o not work without electricity.

Thumbnail of Sasha, 22, lives in Lviv and st_ planned in all possible areas.

Thumbnail of Sasha N. met his boyfriend Roma_ other support in times of war.

Thumbnail of Sasha N. and his boyfriend Roma_g about his sexual orientation.

Thumbnail of Sasha N. lives together with hi_ke a business out of necessity.

Thumbnail of Sasha N. celebrates her 21st bi_d the question: How to move on?

Thumbnail of Sasha N. and her friend Olena a_continues to work here in Lviv.

Thumbnail of On Sasha N.'s shelf nex_hotos from the time before war.

Thumbnail of Sasha, 21, studies physiotherapy_tern Ukraine with physiotherapy.

Thumbnail of A sunset in front of the kitchen_t who had to flee from the East.

Thumbnail of Yeva Lotta Y. stands outside on_an express herself in this way.

Thumbnail of Yeva-Lotta, 19, lives and studi_ted in gender-political issues.

Thumbnail of Yeva Lotta Y. and her friend Na_heir thoughts and try to relax.

Thumbnail of A friend stung Yeva-Lotta a tat_n Ukrainian territorial waters.

Thumbnail of In large parts of the country sa_dren's hospital in Lviv.

Thumbnail of Edward R. puts on makeup in his flat in Kyiv.

Thumbnail of Edward's tattoos are ve_ndomly arranged question marks.

Thumbnail of Edward R., 37, (non-binary) liv_ublicly at events on the topic.

Thumbnail of Edward R. is a project assistan_ividuals or groups is too high.

Thumbnail of Residential neighborhoods in Ky_cember 2022, covered with snow.

Public Project

Fragile as Glass: LGBTQI+ people in Ukraine facing the Russian invasion.

Copyright Sitara Thalia Ambrosio 2024

Updated Dec 2023

Location Ukraine

Topics Spotlight

Summary

"Fragile as Glass" was awarded with the Residence Prize at the Portraits Hellerau Photography Award. The photo series was exhibited at the "Helsinki Photofestival" in 2023. Most recently, the essay was honored at the LensCulture Emerging Talents Award and will be exhibited as part of the winning exhibition in New York (2024). The photo essay was published as a book by Kettler Publishing house in April 2024.

Fragile as Glass: LGBTQI+ people in Ukraine facing the Russian invasion.

In Ukraine, the LGBTQI+ -community has recently been more visible than ever. This is threatened, since the Russian army started invading in February 2022. In the Russian Federation, there is a homophobic and transphobic social climate. According to US officials, there is a list of LGBTQI+ activists to be arrested circulating amongst Russian troops. Therefore several queer Ukrainians go to war despite homophobic incidents in the army. Others try to continue their political work or simply cope with life in the country at war. Various young queer Ukrainians say their sexuality now plays a lesser role.

"I worry more about getting killed by a Russian rocket than being judged for kissing my boyfriend", Yehor (20) says. On the first days of the invasion, the film student fled from Kyiv to Lviv, in the west of the country. Yehor’s family lives on the front line in Nikopol. Besides leaving home, the war affects his libido, he says. Relationships though become more important and intense, he adds. After six months, he moved back to Kyiv with his boyfriend. Following a dispute, Yehor crashes at friends for months, until he finds an affordable flat. The ongoing war is palpable in the city. Repeatedly missiles strike. Electricity is scarce and power cuts are supposed to uphold the functionality of the highly damaged system. Many flats are cold, as heaters use electric power.

Sasha (21), Yeva-Lotta (19) and Sasha (22) from Lviv share the burden. Just 80 kilometers from the European border the power supply has long been unreliable. Yeva-Lotta says she is mostly angry. Sasha reports she feels much older and adultish now, but psychologically suffers from the war. Air alarms, lack of electricity, and dark shelters stress her out, she says. She is a physiotherapist and treats soldiers coming from the front. The ongoing war has shown the three how precious each day and time with the people they love is, they say.

Not everyone has an option to find a shelter. Therefore the NGO KyivPride which advocates for queer peoples’ rights, runs a safe space in the capital. Nonbinary Edward Reese (37) is a project assistant at KyivPride. The war had a direct influence on Reese’s plans for transition. Top surgery was planned in Kyiv in March. Upon the invasion, Reese fled to Denmark and had the surgery in Malmo, Sweden, in May. In October, Reese returned to Kyiv. "When you might die every day, it's important to have valid documents. It's the main issue for me being trans in this war", Reese says, wishing to continue with the transition. Reese hesitates about starting hormone therapy because the hormones could become inaccessible at any time. The transition is once again at stake.

“Fragile as Glass” is a long-term photographic essay following the fates of different queer realities in Ukraine. The work aims to not only show the typical photos that dominate during war times. A big thank you for the support during the realization of my project goes to the members of my journalist collective Freelance Underground. The photo essay was awarded with the Residence Prize at the Portraits Hellerau Photography Award. The photo series was exhibited at the "Helsinki Photofestival" in 2023. Most recently, the essay was honored at the LensCulture Emerging Talents Award and will be exhibited as part of the winning exhibition in New York (2024). The photo essay was published as a book by Kettler Publishing house in April 2024.

Sitara Thalia Ambrosio

Sep 28, 2022

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