EQUAL PostOst
EQUAL PostOst (European Queer Alliance of PostOst Community, abbreviated as EQUAL PostOst e.V.) is a European human rights organization focused on supporting the LGBTQ+ community in post-Soviet countries, primarily Russia.[1] The organization provides legal and psychological assistance and facilitates the evacuation of individuals persecuted based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]EQUAL PostOst was founded by human rights activist Evelina Chayka, who has lived in Berlin for over 19 years and previously participated in the "Strategy-31" protests in Saint Petersburg.[3] The organization emerged in response to escalating repressions against LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, particularly following the Russian Supreme Court's November 2023 decision to designate the "international public LGBT movement" as extremist.[4] Chayka co-founded the "International Public LGBT Movement" to participate in the court case to defend the community's interests.[4] Other co-founders include human rights activist Igor Kochetkov, Olga Baranova, Renat Davletgildeev, and Yaroslav Rasputin.[4] After the ban took effect in January 2024, EQUAL PostOst reported a surge in requests—up to 12 per hour, primarily for evacuation assistance.[1][5] The organization operates clandestinely in Russia, providing emergency aid, including dispatching lawyers to secure the release of detained individuals.[6]
Activities
[edit | edit source]EQUAL PostOst focuses on evacuating LGBTQ+ individuals from Russia, particularly transgender and non-binary people, amid transphobic legislation.[7] It offers guidance on visas, asylum applications, and relocation programs (e.g., Social Year, Freelancer Visa, Au Pair) and advocates in Europe for expanded humanitarian programs for vulnerable groups.[1][3] Over six months, the organization handled approximately 20 cases, achieving six successful evacuations, primarily from the North Caucasus.[3] In 2024, EQUAL PostOst prevented the deportation of a Russian lesbian named Anna from Germany to Russia by intercepting her in Morocco and arranging her transfer to a third country.[8][9] The organization collaborates with the Anti-War Committee of Russia, NC SOS, and other groups to provide psychological support and shelter placements.[10][11] Evelina Chayka has stated that the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia resembles genocide, involving prison torture, denunciations, and censorship.[12] The organization also opposes the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ narratives in Europe.[12]
Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]- No Such People Here (2023, Berlin, PrideArt Gallery): Documents the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in the North Caucasus through victims' personal items (slippers, drawings, photos of torture tools). Curated by Anna Narinskaya. Organized by EQUAL PostOst and SK SOS. Held in a former women's prison; Chayka received threats after the opening.[10][13]
- Boxed (2025, Berlin, Kunstquartier Bethanien): Seven thematic boxes addressing violence (prison, torture, denunciations, transphobia). Includes artifacts (suffocation pillow, knives) and a montage from the 1990s. Curated by Anna Narinskaya.[12]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]Official website of EQUAL PostOst Telegram channel of the organization