The Own Walls Heal Wounds (2022)

As a Ukrainian saying goes, 'the walls of home bring remedy.' However, war is raging in Ukraine, and while it severely impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, it may have enormous consequences for freedom and human rights in the long term. If Ukraine emerges victorious, it will strengthen a community that is currently active in vital areas such as the army, civil defense, and social organizations like children's aid. Their dedication is highly valued by Ukrainian society. However, in the event of Ukraine losing the war, harsh and homophobic laws reminiscent of Russia could be enforced. The fate of the LGBTQIA+ community would then involve living in hiding and constantly evading repression.

The artistic photo work comprises portraits of four queer Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Bavaria in the spring of 2022. Among them is Alexandra (37) from Zhytomyr, who has privately dedicated herself to the LGBTQIA+ community in her home country and coordinated the association 'You are not alone.' The couple Lilja (32) and Ira (33), along with their child, made their way to Germany after an air raid on their hometown of Ternopil. And Maja (55), experiencing the trauma of flight for the second time, after the Georgian-born woman had to leave her home country during the Caucasus war in 2008 and resettled in the port city of Odessa. The four women share two commonalities: they all underwent an exhausting and perilous journey to Germany, and they all aspire to return home as soon as possible.

Learn more about this project in the Pride Guide (pages 16-17) with a text by Bernd Müller.