A transgender woman who serves in Ukraine’s armed forces was physically assaulted in Lviv on Tuesday evening. The attacker, after verbally abusing her, struck her in the face. A rights organization has urged federal authorities to take action on the matter.
The transgender soldier, known as Helen, stated that she was in Lviv to attend her mother’s funeral when she was approached by a man who started speaking aggressively towards her. Reportedly, Helen asked him to leave, but he responded by punching her in the nose and using a derogatory slur. The force of the blow caused her to lose her balance, after which the attacker continued to punch her until she managed to create some distance between them.
Video footage captured parts of the assault, with both Helen and a bystander recording the incident. In the footage, the soldier can be seen bleeding after taking a kick to the face. Despite several witnesses, no one intervened to stop the attack. However, the footage also shows that one man tried to restrain the attacker but eventually gave up, allowing him to walk away.
The Ukrainian pride organization revealed that Helen has been serving in the military for three years. They expressed hope that the authorities would provide adequate protection for Helen, whom they referred to as “our defender.” The organization called upon the national police force and the parliamentary Human Rights Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets to investigate the situation and ensure that the attacker is held accountable for his actions.
This incident highlights the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals in Ukraine. It is not an isolated case, as another transgender soldier named Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, a US military veteran and former journalist, made headlines earlier this year after being appointed as a spokesperson for Ukraine’s territorial defense forces. She suffered injuries while serving as a combat medic near Kreminna last February and now hosts a state-sponsored news show titled ‘Russia Hates the Truth.’
The assault on Helen underscores the urgent need for greater protection and support for transgender individuals in Ukraine. The government must address this issue and take decisive action to prevent such acts of violence. It is crucial that the attacker is apprehended and brought to justice to send a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, the attack on Helen, a transgender soldier in Ukraine, highlights the pervasive discrimination and violence faced by transgender individuals in the country. The incident serves as a call to action for authorities to ensure the safety and protection of transgender citizens. It is essential for society to work towards greater inclusivity and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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