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🇦🇹 Austria /Culture & Society

What the War Does to Queer People in Ukraine

From Der Standard · (8m ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Photojournalist Lester Feder's series documents the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ukraine during wartime.
  • The exhibition in Vienna showcases portraits, including that of Artur Ozerov, who performs as drag alter-ego 'AuRa' while working for the military administration in Kyiv.
  • Ozerov's performances aim to show that queer people are fighting for their homeland and remain visible despite the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents a stark reality where the human cost is measured in countless individual stories, many of which remain untold or unheard. Photojournalist Lester Feder's poignant series, currently on display in Vienna, bravely confronts this challenge by focusing on the lives of queer individuals navigating the complexities of war. This exhibition is not just a collection of images; it is a vital testament to resilience and visibility in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The war has many faces.

— UnknownA common phrase used to describe the multifaceted nature of war, which the article uses to introduce the idea of invisible victims.

One particularly compelling subject is Artur Ozerov, whose dual identity as a military administrator in Kyiv and the drag performer 'AuRa' encapsulates the multifaceted nature of existence during wartime. Ozerov's decision to continue performing, even after long workdays, sends a powerful message: that queer people are not only contributing to the war effort but are also asserting their right to exist and be seen. His alter-ego, 'AuRa,' becomes a symbol of defiance and pride, challenging the notion that wartime necessitates the suppression of identity.

Feder's work powerfully illustrates the adage that 'war has many faces.' However, this series goes further by giving faces and voices to those who might otherwise remain invisible. It highlights the unique struggles and unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine, demonstrating their active participation in defending their nation. This perspective is crucial, offering a counter-narrative to potentially monolithic portrayals of wartime experiences and underscoring the universal desire for self-expression and belonging, even amidst destruction.

Der Krieg hat viele Gesichter.

— UnknownThe German translation of the phrase 'The war has many faces.'

From our vantage point, it is essential to recognize how such stories challenge conventional Western media narratives that often focus on geopolitical aspects or broad humanitarian crises. Feder's exhibition brings the focus down to the individual, revealing the personal stakes and the diverse forms of resistance and survival. It underscores that the fight for Ukraine is also a fight for the right of all its citizens, including the LGBTQ+ community, to live openly and authentically, a perspective that resonates deeply with our commitment to inclusive storytelling.

Queer people are fighting for their homeland and remain visible.

— Artur Ozerov (as AuRa)Explaining the motivation behind his drag performances during wartime.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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