She saved lives. So why does Russia want to punish Elena Klimova?
Because she created a safe space for LGBTI teens in a country rife with homophobia.
Elena is a journalist and founder of Children 404, a popular online resource that supports LGBTI teens in Russia. It’s a space for teenagers to share their stories, get support and obtain advice from experienced psychologists.
Elena’s Children 404 has prevented teenagers from committing suicide and running away from home. She’s easing their isolation and making their world a little better, right?
Not according to Russian authorities. Russian authorities are going to absurd lengths to punish people and defenders of LGBTI human rights. They want to shut Children 404 down, and have charged Elena with “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.”
Elena has called the charges “an extreme level of madness.”
We at Amnesty agree.
Let’s get her back to defending the rights of LGBTI youth in Russia. Urge Russian authorities to drop the charges against Elena and stop prosecuting people under this homophobic law. Please join us in rising to Elena’s defense.
LGBTI youth do exist, and they need help dealing with violence, discrimination and psychological attacks. The 'gay propaganda' law only makes the environment of homophobia worse.
But you and I know that LGBTI youth do exist, and they need help dealing with violence, discrimination and psychological attacks. The so-called “gay propaganda” law that Russian parliament passed last June only makes the environment of homophobia worse.
Elena gave youth hope, a hope that Russian authorities would like to crush.
Amnesty exists to defend the human rights of people like Elena and the children with whom she works. Your action today makes that defense strong and effective.
Stand with Elena. Join us in demanding that the “gay propaganda” law be repealed.