A demonstration of solidarity with LGBTQ+ people in Russia is planned to take place on Saturday 30th November 2013 in Brighton. “To Russia with Love, Brighton” starts at 12 Noon at New Steine Gardens off St James’ St, by the HIV memorial.
Organised by members of local PCS and Unite unions, and members of the Brighton and Hove Socialist Party, the aim is to raise awareness of the increasing violence and oppression faced by gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer and other people in Russia.
In Russia today, gay people and their allies are under attack: beaten, arrested and killed. New anti-gay laws have effectively made it illegal to even mention the existence of LGBTQ+ people positively, let alone defend their human rights. Currently being proposed is a law which would remove custody rights of gay parents of their own children.
Beth Granter, Brighton & Hove Socialist Party says,
” The coming Sochi Olympics puts the world spotlight on Russia and international protests are showing mass opposition to Putin’s homophobic government. The ‘Russian Section 28’ is fuelling a rising tide of violence. The laws must be challenged! Here in the UK we ask our own government to defend human rights worldwide and tell Putin to stop turning back the clock.
As a city which values its own diversity, it’s important for the people of Brighton to show our solidarity with LGBTQ+ people around the world.”
Over 100 people are expected to gather on Saturday where speeches will be heard from human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, local ‘My Genderation’ documentary filmmaker Raphael Francis Fox, Russian LGBT activist Ksenia Zhivago and local Green Party Councillor Phelim McCafferty. The event is also supported by the Rainbow Association (Moscow-based LGBT activist group), March for Equality (LGBT and women’s rights campaign), Russian LGBT Sport Federation, Committee for a Workers’ International (Russia), Left Socialist Action and the Pussy Riot Support Group.
For more information see the Facebook event at http://bit.ly/russiademo
For a map of the event location see http://bit.ly/russiademomap
