Trans soldier's attack highlights challenges faced by LGBT Ukrainians
euronews.comHanna Mark was a soldier in the Ukrainian armed forces well before the Russian full-scale invasion launched last year.As a transgender woman, Hanna is one of the many Ukrainians of all backgrounds and profiles who have decided to join the struggle against Russia’s expansionist aims in its neighbouring country.LGBT Ukrainians, minorities, those on the left and right of the political spectrum have all taken part in the fighting ever since the first invasion was launched in 2014.
Some carry a unicorn patch to highlight their LGBT identity.Hanna was on leave from the army in the western city of Lviv to attend her mother’s funeral and speaking on the phone with her boyfriend when an unknown assailant knocked her down and kicked her while she was on the ground.The incident occurred on 15 August, and since then there has been widespread outcry for the case to be thoroughly investigated.Part of the attack was captured by a bystander and posted on social media.“I am just at a loss for words,” she said in a post following the attack, showing bruises on her face and a bloodied nose.“This is how we treat people who defend our country.
Only because she shows herself as she thinks she should. Well done,” Hanna added.Helen was targeted by transphobic individuals in the past.
