LGBTQ Rights Under Attack: Ukraine, Russia, Africa and the Politics Behind the Backlash
Why are LGBTQ+ people increasingly being targeted during times of war, political instability and economic uncertainty?
In this episode of This Gay Week, Scott Jacobsen joins Karel live from Ukraine during one of the most intense nights of bombing in the war. Together, they examine the realities facing LGBTQ+ communities in Ukraine, Russia, Africa and around the world.
The conversation explores whether attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are being used as political distractions—and why some American conservative organizations are exporting anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns to African nations. Are these policies truly rooted in local values, or are they a legacy of colonial-era religious and legal systems?
Karel and Scott also consider a troubling pattern: as LGBTQ+ people have become more visible and demanded equal rights, political and legislative attacks against them have intensified. History has shown that LGBTQ+ people cannot be erased, so why do governments and political movements keep trying? The answer may lie in power, money and electoral gain.
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Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.
