Russian-speaking initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ people in Germany
A network of Russian-speaking organizations and initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ people from post-Soviet countries is actively developing in Germany. In January 2026, two significant events took place, confirming the growth and recognition of this community.
RussQueer receives award for civic courage
On January 18, 2026, in Stuttgart, the Russian-speaking queer initiative RussQueer was awarded the city's Rosa Detlef public service prize. This prestigious award is given for civic courage and significant contributions to combating discrimination and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the city.
The initiative is led by Yulia Malygina — a Russian activist in forced emigration and an openly gay woman. RussQueer brings together Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ people in Stuttgart and the surrounding area, creating a space for communication, mutual support, and visibility for the queer community from post-Soviet countries.
Receiving the Rosa Detlef prize is an important recognition of the work of Russian-speaking activists in Germany. It shows that the contribution of the émigré queer community has been noticed and valued by German civil society.
"Open Parents": a support group for families with LGBTQ+ children
In late 2025, the group "Open Parents" (Offene Eltern) was created at the initiative of the organization Quarteera and two mothers — the first Russian-speaking community in Germany for families with LGBTQ+ children.
Despite its recent start, the group has already brought together parents from various regions of the country: Bavaria, Berlin, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
What the group offers:
Parents' voicesNatalia, co-founder of the group from Hanover, talks about what unites the participants:
"All of us, participants of the 'Open Parents' group, came to Germany at different times and from different countries, and each of us is at our own stage of the journey. For some, the new reality has already become the norm, while others are still in a state of complete confusion after their child's recent coming out. But we are united by one thing — the desire to support, protect, and learn to understand our child as best we can."
About the significance of the group, Natalia says:
"Communication in the group is like therapy. You don't need to explain anything at length to anyone. You don't need to justify your fears and 'mistakes'... In the group, we exchange experiences, share our feelings, fears, and worries. We have our own chat, we are constantly in touch with each other. We all experience similar feelings and understand each other perfectly. And it's important for our children to know that we, their parents, will always be on their side and will always fight for their rights and happiness."
Not just for parents
Not only parents can reach out to the group, but also queer people themselves — for example, to discuss coming out to their family or to receive the experience of unconditional acceptance from the older generation. For many LGBTQ+ people from post-Soviet countries whose own parents did not accept them, such an experience can be especially valuable.
Activism and public engagement
Members of the "Open Parents" group don't limit themselves to mutual support. They are actively engaged in public work: giving interviews to media outlets, speaking out in defense of their children's rights, participating in Pride events in Germany and other countries, and taking part in international projects.
The voice of parents is a powerful force capable of changing society. When mothers and fathers publicly support their LGBTQ+ children, it helps break down stereotypes and shows other families that acceptance is possible.
How to join?
To join the group or receive support, write briefly about yourself to the email address: eltern@quarteera.de
Why this matters
For LGBTQ+ people from Russia and other post-Soviet countries who find themselves in emigration, Russian-speaking initiatives offer an opportunity to receive support in their native language, among people with similar experiences and cultural context. Many left their countries due to persecution or the inability to live openly — and it is precisely in the diaspora that they find the community they were deprived of at home.
The growth of such initiatives and their recognition by German society is an important sign that the Russian-speaking queer community in Germany is becoming increasingly visible, organized, and influential.
Contacts:
RussQueer receives award for civic courage
On January 18, 2026, in Stuttgart, the Russian-speaking queer initiative RussQueer was awarded the city's Rosa Detlef public service prize. This prestigious award is given for civic courage and significant contributions to combating discrimination and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the city.
The initiative is led by Yulia Malygina — a Russian activist in forced emigration and an openly gay woman. RussQueer brings together Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ people in Stuttgart and the surrounding area, creating a space for communication, mutual support, and visibility for the queer community from post-Soviet countries.
Receiving the Rosa Detlef prize is an important recognition of the work of Russian-speaking activists in Germany. It shows that the contribution of the émigré queer community has been noticed and valued by German civil society.
"Open Parents": a support group for families with LGBTQ+ children
In late 2025, the group "Open Parents" (Offene Eltern) was created at the initiative of the organization Quarteera and two mothers — the first Russian-speaking community in Germany for families with LGBTQ+ children.
Despite its recent start, the group has already brought together parents from various regions of the country: Bavaria, Berlin, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
What the group offers:
- Peer counseling — individual consultations from mothers and fathers who have already gone through the journey of acceptance and are ready to share their experience
- A welcoming community — live communication with other parents who understand without lengthy explanations
- A safe space — a private chat for daily contact and support
- Professional help — a psychological support group led by specialists
- A knowledge library — informational materials developed specifically for parents of LGBTQ+ children
Parents' voicesNatalia, co-founder of the group from Hanover, talks about what unites the participants:
"All of us, participants of the 'Open Parents' group, came to Germany at different times and from different countries, and each of us is at our own stage of the journey. For some, the new reality has already become the norm, while others are still in a state of complete confusion after their child's recent coming out. But we are united by one thing — the desire to support, protect, and learn to understand our child as best we can."
About the significance of the group, Natalia says:
"Communication in the group is like therapy. You don't need to explain anything at length to anyone. You don't need to justify your fears and 'mistakes'... In the group, we exchange experiences, share our feelings, fears, and worries. We have our own chat, we are constantly in touch with each other. We all experience similar feelings and understand each other perfectly. And it's important for our children to know that we, their parents, will always be on their side and will always fight for their rights and happiness."
Not just for parents
Not only parents can reach out to the group, but also queer people themselves — for example, to discuss coming out to their family or to receive the experience of unconditional acceptance from the older generation. For many LGBTQ+ people from post-Soviet countries whose own parents did not accept them, such an experience can be especially valuable.
Activism and public engagement
Members of the "Open Parents" group don't limit themselves to mutual support. They are actively engaged in public work: giving interviews to media outlets, speaking out in defense of their children's rights, participating in Pride events in Germany and other countries, and taking part in international projects.
The voice of parents is a powerful force capable of changing society. When mothers and fathers publicly support their LGBTQ+ children, it helps break down stereotypes and shows other families that acceptance is possible.
How to join?
To join the group or receive support, write briefly about yourself to the email address: eltern@quarteera.de
Why this matters
For LGBTQ+ people from Russia and other post-Soviet countries who find themselves in emigration, Russian-speaking initiatives offer an opportunity to receive support in their native language, among people with similar experiences and cultural context. Many left their countries due to persecution or the inability to live openly — and it is precisely in the diaspora that they find the community they were deprived of at home.
The growth of such initiatives and their recognition by German society is an important sign that the Russian-speaking queer community in Germany is becoming increasingly visible, organized, and influential.
Contacts:
- Quarteera e.V.: quarteera.de
- "Open Parents" group: eltern@quarteera.de