Research on the Situation of LGBTQ+ Families in Ukraine

We share the results of a desk research study conducted in 2025 on the situation of rainbow families in Ukraine. The report brings together available data on the legal, social, and humanitarian challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people and their families - particularly in the context of the full-scale war.

The study is part of a broader international analysis covering the Nordic-Baltic region and Ukraine, while placing a specific focus on the Ukrainian context - where the lack of legal recognition of queer families intersects with the consequences of war.

In Ukraine, LGBTQ+ families remain legally unrecognized, which means they are deprived of basic rights - from joint property ownership and inheritance to the ability to make medical decisions or raise children together. In critical situations, especially during wartime, this creates additional risks to the safety and lives of partners.

The study also pays particular attention to the impact of the war. LGBTQ+ service members are unable to legally protect their partners, while forcibly displaced queer families face additional barriers - from access to housing to humanitarian assistance. According to estimates, the number of forcibly displaced LGBTQ+ people may exceed 300,000.

Key findings:

• Rainbow families in Ukraine remain effectively “invisible” in the legal system, creating systemic vulnerability in both everyday life and crisis situations.
• The war significantly increases these risks, especially for service members and forcibly displaced LGBTQ+ people.
• The lack of legal recognition directly affects access to basic rights and safety.
• There is a lack of up-to-date and comprehensive data on the lives of queer families, limiting the development of effective responses.
• Introducing civil partnerships is seen as a necessary step to ensure basic rights.
  
  

This research brings together available data on the situation of LGBTQ+ families in Ukraine and highlights key challenges that require attention at the level of policies and support programs.

The report was prepared by independent researcher Hanna Hrytsenko at the request of NGO Kharkiv Women’s Association “Sphere” within the project: “Connecting families, educators and policymakers to combat violence and improve the well-being of LGBTIQ children in the Nordic-Baltic region and Ukraine”, co-funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers Prosperous Future programme. The content of this report represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The full report is available at the link.