Introduction: Identity as a Crime
In Belarus, belonging to the LGBT community often means living under constant threat of arrest, brutality, and discrimination. Although homosexuality was decriminalised in 1994, deep-rooted homophobia and the authoritarian policies of Alexander Lukashenko’s regime have left LGBT citizens vulnerable to state repression and social hostility. Activists, ordinary citizens, and LGBT organisations face harassment, police violence, and criminalisation, forcing many to hide their identities or flee abroad in search of safety.


Official Stigmatisation of LGBT People
The Belarusian government perpetuates homophobia through rhetoric and policy. Lukashenko has repeatedly made derogatory statements about LGBT people, portraying them as threats to 'traditional values.' Such rhetoric legitimises discrimination and emboldens both state authorities and hostile segments of society to target LGBT individuals without fear of accountability.


Police Harassment and Brutality
LGBT Belarusians face regular police harassment. Reports document arbitrary arrests during social gatherings, intimidation at Pride-related events, and the use of physical violence in detention. Activists have been beaten, threatened, and subjected to degrading treatment while in custody. Police often raid LGBT-friendly venues, using morality laws or fabricated charges as justification for brutality.


Criminalisation Through 'Extremism' Laws
Authorities exploit broad 'extremism' and 'public morality' laws to criminalise LGBT activism. Organisations advocating for LGBT rights have been branded extremist, forcing them underground or into exile. Participation in LGBT-related protests or online groups can lead to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. This legal environment effectively renders LGBT activism illegal, stripping citizens of their right to association and expression.


Social Hostility and State Complicity
Deeply ingrained social prejudice compounds the dangers faced by LGBT Belarusians. Hate crimes, harassment, and workplace discrimination are common, with victims receiving little to no protection from the authorities. Instead of safeguarding rights, the state often sides with perpetrators, further marginalising LGBT communities.


Impact of Political Repression on LGBT Citizens
The wave of political repression following the 2020 election protests has intensified the vulnerability of LGBT citizens. Because they are often active in broader democratic movements, LGBT activists face double persecution—targeted both for their political engagement and their sexual orientation or gender identity. This intersection of repression magnifies the risks they face on a daily basis.


Psychological Consequences
The climate of fear takes a severe psychological toll. Many LGBT Belarusians live in secrecy, concealing their identities from employers, family, and even friends. Those subjected to violence or arrest often experience trauma, anxiety, and depression. The absence of safe spaces or legal recourse further deepens the sense of isolation.


Exile as the Only Escape
For many LGBT citizens, exile becomes the only option for survival. Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine (before the war) have hosted fleeing LGBT Belarusians. In exile, they can live openly and continue activism, though often at the cost of permanent separation from their homeland. Diaspora groups play an important role in keeping LGBT rights on the international agenda for Belarus.


International Solidarity
International human rights organisations have highlighted the persecution of LGBT Belarusians, urging accountability for abuses. The European Union and United Nations have called on Belarus to uphold human rights standards, though the regime continues to ignore such appeals. Foreign governments have provided asylum and funding for exiled activists, helping sustain the struggle from abroad.


Consequences for Belarusian Society
The repression of LGBT citizens reflects the broader collapse of human rights in Belarus. By persecuting minorities, the regime entrenches fear and division, undermining social cohesion. The loss of LGBT voices within Belarus impoverishes its civil society, while exile communities carry forward the struggle for equality elsewhere.


Pathways Forward
To support LGBT Belarusians, international actors should:

- Provide asylum and protection for those fleeing persecution.
- Support underground and exiled LGBT organisations.
- Document and publicise abuses to build international accountability.
- Promote inclusive policies in host countries to protect exiled activists.

These measures are crucial to sustaining LGBT rights advocacy despite repression at home.


Conclusion: Living in Fear, Fighting for Dignity
For LGBT citizens in Belarus, daily life is marked by fear of arrest, brutality, and discrimination. The state not only fails to protect them but actively participates in their persecution. Yet, the resilience of LGBT Belarusians at home and in exile ensures that their struggle for dignity and equality continues. Until meaningful change comes to Belarus, LGBT citizens will remain among the most vulnerable victims of Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime.