Russia's first and only openly transgender politician has announced that she is no longer detransitioning, citing fear of persecution and the restrictive laws in the country. The politician, who transitioned from male to female in 2020, had previously announced a detransition in May, expressing spiritual anguish and a desire to revert to her birth gender.
The decision to detransition was driven by fear of Russia's ban on gender reassignment and the lack of LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The politician, who had undergone multiple psychiatric examinations before transitioning, felt pressured to conform due to the legal restrictions and societal challenges faced by transgender individuals in Russia.
The move to detransition was also influenced by the politician's appeal to the Russian Supreme Court seeking clarification on new legal restrictions and her status as a transgender person. The court's response, which did not provide satisfactory explanations, heightened her fears of persecution and the repressive state machinery turning against her.
Despite feeling unsafe and facing challenges, the politician decided to come forward with the statement to stay true to herself and raise awareness about the discrimination and violations faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. The restrictive laws signed by President Vladimir Putin, including the ban on gender reassignment surgery and adoption by transgender individuals, have significantly impacted the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
The politician's decision to reverse the detransition and speak out about her experiences aims to provide moral support to transgender people in Russia and encourage them to keep fighting for their rights. Despite the challenges and risks involved, she remains committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and challenging the oppressive policies enforced by the Russian government.
As the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights continues in Russia, the politician's story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of transgender individuals in the face of adversity.
