Alyoshina, Russia’s first and only openly transgender politician, recently revealed that she has decided not to continue with her transition. This unexpected turn of events comes after she initially reversed her decision earlier this year due to the intense fear and restrictions imposed by Russian law on gender reassignment. In a candid interview with CNN, Alyoshina expressed regret over her earlier public statements and actions, explaining that her previous decision was driven largely by apprehension about the legal and social consequences in Russia.
From Transition to Reversion: A Journey Marked by Fear and Courage
Alyoshina's journey began in 2020, when she transitioned from male to female. At that time, she made significant changes to her life, including updating her name and gender marker on her passport. This transition was the result of a long personal struggle and a series of psychiatric evaluations. "It was my sincere desire," she told CNN. "I had been fighting for this for many years." However, the political and legal landscape in Russia has made the journey fraught with challenges.
By May of this year, Alyoshina had changed her Telegram channel back to her pre-transition name and re-uploaded a profile photo from before her transition. She cited “spiritual anguish” during Orthodox Lent as a reason for this decision. This change was further accompanied by a now-deleted post where she apologized to the Russian people, stating that her decision was influenced by a sense of patriotism and her desire to remain in Russia despite the difficulties.
The Legal and Personal Struggles
Alyoshina’s decision to revert to her birth gender was significantly influenced by the oppressive legal environment in Russia. In early 2024, she made a formal appeal to the Russian Supreme Court seeking clarification on new legal restrictions affecting transgender individuals. This appeal aimed to understand the impact of these laws on her status, potential extremist labeling for online publications, and her capacity to participate in public activities. The court's response—that it does not offer explanations on current laws—left Alyoshina feeling alarmed and vulnerable. “I began sleeping poorly and waking up early,” she said, describing how her anxiety and depression intensified.
The fear of persecution was compounded by Russia's new regulations, which include a 2023 law signed by President Vladimir Putin. This controversial legislation prohibits almost all medical help for transgender individuals, including gender reassignment surgery, except in cases of “birth anomalies” in children. Additionally, it forbids transgender individuals from adopting children and allows authorities to annul their marriages. This law is part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to enforce "traditional values" and restrict LGBTQ+ rights.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
These harsh measures, combined with a December 2022 law targeting “LGBTQ propaganda,” have further marginalized and oppressed the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. Human rights organizations have widely criticized these policies, which have led to a climate of fear and increased discrimination. Alyoshina’s experiences and challenges are emblematic of the broader struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia.
In October 2022, Alyoshina made the difficult decision to resign from her position as the regional head of the centrist Civic Initiative party, citing the difficulty of continuing her political career as an openly transgender woman in the face of the new anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Despite this setback, she re-entered the political arena in 2023 with plans to run for governor in the Altai region of Siberia. However, she later withdrew from this campaign, highlighting the ongoing challenges she faces.
A Call for Solidarity and Resistance
In her interview with CNN, Alyoshina expressed a desire to remain true to herself and to support other transgender individuals in Russia. She remains vocal about the ongoing discrimination and the difficult reality for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. “I hope my post will provide moral support to transgender people,” she said, emphasizing that current laws make it nearly impossible for transgender individuals to change their documents even with an official medical diagnosis confirming their gender identity.
Alyoshina's story is a testament to the resilience of individuals facing extreme adversity. Her decision to come forward with her experiences serves as a powerful message to others in the LGBTQ+ community: "Don’t give up, keep fighting. As long as we keep fighting, we are alive." This message of perseverance and hope is crucial in a country where LGBTQ+ rights are severely restricted and where many individuals face persecution and marginalization.
The Bigger Picture
A 2021 study by Russia’s transgender support group, T-Action, estimated that at least 30,000 transgender people in the country have sought medical treatment or made changes to their legal documents. However, the actual number is likely higher, given the increased number of transgender individuals fleeing Russia. Anton Macintosh, the group’s coordinator, noted the challenges faced by those who remain in the country, stating, “Understandably, the majority stayed. It is not so easy to leave, especially for a transgender person.”
Alyoshina’s experiences underscore the broader impact of repressive laws on the lives of transgender individuals in Russia. Her bravery in facing these challenges and speaking out about her experiences provides valuable insight into the harsh realities of living as a transgender person in a repressive environment. Her story highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia and around the world.
In summary, Alyoshina's journey is marked by personal courage, political challenges, and a steadfast commitment to her identity. Her decision to come forward and share her experiences not only sheds light on the difficult realities faced by transgender individuals in Russia but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. As the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues globally, Alyoshina's story reminds us of the importance of solidarity and the enduring strength of those who stand up for their rights in the face of adversity.
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