How Transgender People in Russia Find Relationships Under Repression
Amid escalating repression in Russia, it has become increasingly difficult for transgender and nonbinary people to form romantic or even friendly connections. Following the 2022 expansion of the “LGBT propaganda” law and the 2023 designation of the “International LGBT Movement” as an extremist organization, many queer individuals fear using dating apps or attending community events. For trans people—already facing marginalization in a cisnormative society—these restrictions have made dating and building connections even more daunting.
In response, alternative dating initiatives have emerged within the community itself. One such project is Queer Matchmaker (“Квир-сваха”), an initiative by the LGBTQ+ group Center T. Since February 2024, the Telegram-based service has anonymously posted personal ads from trans and nonbinary people across Russia. After vetting and participant consent, their contact information is shared with those who respond with interest. The project has not only helped people find partners but has also fostered support networks and a sense of belonging. In just one year, Queer Matchmaker collected over 360 profiles and facilitated 43 relationships.
Stories like those of Natalia and Matvey, or Artyom and Viktor, reveal how intimacy, acceptance, and trust can flourish—even under the weight of social stigma. They highlight the importance of finding others like oneself, and how internal community support provides both emotional resilience and space for love, even in a hostile environment. Still, many participants do not rule out emigration—for the sake of safety, legal rights, and a viable future.
A survey by the LGBTQ+ group Vykhod found that 26% of queer users deleted their dating app profiles, and 50% now avoid queer clubs. People fear being outed, targeted in raids, or harassed. Yet, online initiatives with community vetting remain vital. They provide trans and queer people with a rare opportunity to meet, connect, and express themselves—despite state repression and widespread fear.
In response, alternative dating initiatives have emerged within the community itself. One such project is Queer Matchmaker (“Квир-сваха”), an initiative by the LGBTQ+ group Center T. Since February 2024, the Telegram-based service has anonymously posted personal ads from trans and nonbinary people across Russia. After vetting and participant consent, their contact information is shared with those who respond with interest. The project has not only helped people find partners but has also fostered support networks and a sense of belonging. In just one year, Queer Matchmaker collected over 360 profiles and facilitated 43 relationships.
Stories like those of Natalia and Matvey, or Artyom and Viktor, reveal how intimacy, acceptance, and trust can flourish—even under the weight of social stigma. They highlight the importance of finding others like oneself, and how internal community support provides both emotional resilience and space for love, even in a hostile environment. Still, many participants do not rule out emigration—for the sake of safety, legal rights, and a viable future.
A survey by the LGBTQ+ group Vykhod found that 26% of queer users deleted their dating app profiles, and 50% now avoid queer clubs. People fear being outed, targeted in raids, or harassed. Yet, online initiatives with community vetting remain vital. They provide trans and queer people with a rare opportunity to meet, connect, and express themselves—despite state repression and widespread fear.