The Russian activist Yulja Tsvetkova is waiting to be tried on various charges related to the law banning “gay propaganda” in her country; she could also be convicted of spreading pornography for posting a vagina drawing on a social media page about body positivity. Under house arrest since November, she had recently a pleasant surprise (which does not relieve her of the charges): this restrictive measure was suspended. The association for LGBTQIA rights Moscow Community Center and the international organization All Out joined in a global signature collection to urge the Russian authorities to withdraw all accusations against Yulja and to repeal the “gay propaganda” law

Yulja Tsvetkova talked with Il Grande Colibrì to explain her situation and the accusations she must face. We asked her what the LGBT world community can do for her and the other victims of this absurd regulation.

Why are you accused of “gay propaganda”?

I am currently under three prosecutions: a criminal trial for “pornography” for which I risk up to 6 years in prison, and two trials for “propaganda” that cause me a fine of 50 million rubles [about 600 euros or 625 dollars; ed] each one. The first propaganda accusation is based on a social media group, in which I published articles on queer culture, ways to support LGBTQIA youth and discrimination of LGBTQIA people in Russia. The second accusation is based on a drawing in solidarity with queer families in Russia.