Queer Svit: a response to when systems fail

In today’s episode, we spotlight the fearless, community-driven work of Queer Svit — a Black queer-led, independent volunteer network standing at the frontlines of crisis response for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and Indigenous communities across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia. For decades, war, displacement, and political persecution have disproportionately targeted queer communities and marginalized ethnic groups in the region. When borders close and systems fail, Queer Svit steps in. From emergency consultations and evacuation planning to purchasing travel tickets, securing safe housing, and delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this global network of volunteers is redefining what grassroots solidarity looks like in action. We’re joined by Anna-Maria, Co-founder and CEO of Queer Svit, who shares the powerful origin story behind the organization, the urgent realities facing LGBTQ+ refugees today, and how mutual aid can become a lifeline in times of war. This is a conversation about resilience, chosen family, and what it truly means to build safety when the world feels unsafe. You can check more resources at https://il.npo.one/ Guest bio Anna-Maria, queer and anti-racist activist, documentary filmmaker and journalist. Co-founder of Queer Svit, a grass-root that helps queer people and the global majority affected by war in Ukraine and/or Russian political regime. Additional resources https://queersvit.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIhJjCnL84 https://www.uusc.org/initiatives/queer-svit https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-maria-tesfaye-22028712a https://instagram.com/ennievicious