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LGBTQ+ Activist Women's rights

Feminists in Kazakhstan Under Pressure Ahead of International Women’s Day

On March 8, the world marks the annual International Women’s Day, and in Kazakhstan’s commercial capital, Almaty, the authorities are again working to prevent public gatherings sponsored by feminist or LGBT groups. Since early February, several members of the feminist group, Feminita, have been detained in Almaty. Preemptive Measures Late March 3, an Almaty court sentenced Aktorgyn Akkenzhebalasy of the feminist group Feminita to ten days in jail after finding her guilty of violating the law on organization of peaceful assemblies. The charge dated back to May 2024, when six members of Feminita held an unsanctioned march in downtown Almaty, demanding a life sentence for former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev. Bishimbayev beat his wife to death in a private room in an Almaty restaurant in November 2023. His trial from March to May 2024 was broadcast over television and widely watched by the public in Kazakhstan. Akkenzhebalasy was not the only Feminita activist to be jailed for participating in the May 2024 march. On February 28, Feminita co-founder Zhanar Sekerbayeva was jailed for ten days, meaning she would not be freed from jail until March 10, two days after International Women’s Day. Sekerbayeva and another Feminita co-founder, Gulzada Serzhan, were detained on February 13 after Bagila Baltabayeva, the leader of a group called Kazakhstan’s Union of Parents, and several other women burst into a Feminita meeting. Baltabayeva is also the author of a widely circulated petition against LGBT propaganda. Feminita activists said Baltabayeva called the police and complained that participants in the meeting were corrupting minors and had no permission to conduct their meeting. Kazakh independent media outlet Vlast cited witnesses as saying Baltabayeva also struck Akkenzhebalasy. All 25 of the Feminita members at the meeting were detained but quickly released except Sekerbayeva and Serzhan, who were kept at the police station for several hours and eventually charged with conducting public activities of an unregistered social organization. Baltabayeva and those who accompanied her to disrupt the meeting were not detained. On February 14, Feminita tried to have another meeting, but a group of women from the charity fund Rahym interrupted, calling the Feminita activists “foreign agents” and demanding they “get out!“ Again, police questioned the Feminita activists but not the Rahym members who burst into the meeting. On February 19, an Almaty court found Sekerbayeva and Serzhan guilty of holding a meeting of an unregistered organization and were each fined 393,000 tenge (about $1,500). The Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law released a statement noting Feminita had tried repeatedly to register with authorities but was always rejected. The statement also mentioned that Feminita activists had been attacked during meetings in other cities in Kazakhstan and that “All this happened with complete inaction or direct connivance of the police against the aggressors.” Women’s Day vs Women’s Rights There are no reports indicating that the authorities in Almaty, or officials in any other city in Kazakhstan, have approved any requests from feminist groups to conduct public...

LGBTQ+ Society life and culture Lifestyle

Hidden but Brave: The LGBTQ+ Fight for Acceptance in Kazakhstan

The LGBTQ+ community in Kazakhstan remains largely invisible, but that does not mean it does not exist. While homosexuality is not criminalized in the country, public perception remains mixed. In major cities, particularly Almaty, the situation is relatively tolerant, but in the regions, LGBTQ+ people still face significant discrimination and fear. The Times of Central Asia spoke with Arsen, a resident of Almaty (who requested anonymity due to safety concerns), about the realities of being gay in Kazakhstan, the challenges he faces, and why, despite the difficulties, he chooses to stay there. Arsen lives and works in Almaty, widely regarded as Kazakhstan’s most open-minded city. Here, he can attend LGBTQ+ gatherings and has a supportive circle of friends. However, even in this relatively accepting environment, complete openness remains a risk. “In Almaty, you don’t feel completely alone. There are places to relax, like gay clubs, and there’s a sense of community. But holding hands with another man on the street? No, that’s still dangerous. I wouldn’t even risk prolonged eye contact with someone,” he says. “The risk of aggression is always there, especially in remote parts of the city. I’ve heard of people facing hostility just because they ‘look different.’ And it’s not even about dressing brightly - it's just the prevailing mentality. I’m always surprised that, despite life being so difficult here, some people still believe being gay is a choice.” Despite these challenges, Arsen sees progress. He believes younger generations are becoming more accepting, largely thanks to the internet, which provides exposure to alternative viewpoints. “I notice more open-minded people among my generation. In Almaty, many don’t care about someone’s orientation. People here usually don’t mind what you wear or whether you have piercings, for example. Even those who don’t support LGBTQ+ rights tend to be indifferent rather than aggressive,” he says. However, outside of Almaty and Astana, the situation is far more difficult. In smaller cities and rural areas, conservative values dominate, and LGBTQ+ individuals often conceal their identities — even from close friends. “I know guys from small towns who moved to Almaty because they were terrified back home. They hid every hint of their orientation. Coming out could mean harassment or even violence. Many don’t even consider dating or using LGBTQ+ apps because it’s simply too dangerous.” A particularly painful issue within Kazakhstan’s LGBTQ+ community is internalized homophobia - self-directed negativity toward one’s own identity or others in the community. “I’ve always been surprised by how some gay people openly dislike other gay people. They want to be seen as ‘normal,’ so they try to blend in with the crowd. But in doing so, they reinforce harmful stereotypes and make things worse for everyone.” The situation is especially difficult in Kazakhstan’s southern cities, where traditional values often take precedence over personal freedoms. “Even though Almaty is in the south, I think it’s much harder to be gay in places like Shymkent, Taraz, or Turkistan. In those cities, you could get beaten up for it,” Arsen...

Tramp Legislation LGBTQ+ Propaganda Party Politics internal affairs

Uzbekistan Drafting Law to Ban LGBT “Propaganda”

Alisher Qodirov, leader of Uzbekistan's Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) party, has announced that a draft law banning the discussion of LGBT topics is being prepared in Uzbekistan. Qodirov shared this news on his Telegram channel, where he also referenced a social media post by Ivanka Trump, daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who highlighted her father’s plan to cut federal funding for schools promoting "inappropriate sexual content" and "transgender ideology." Qodirov commented: “The change in the center of the disease is very good,” suggesting his support for similar measures in Uzbekistan. He added: “We are working on adopting a law prohibiting any kind of propaganda in this regard,” though he did not elaborate further. In the past, Qodirov has also advocated for banning Soviet ideology and symbols in Uzbekistan. This stance followed a recent case in Samarkand, where a pensioner wishing to restore the Soviet Union received a three-year restricted freedom sentence for actions deemed a threat to Uzbekistan’s constitutional order.

LGBTQ+

Controversy and Confrontation Surround LGBT Issues in Kazakhstan

The situation surrounding the so-called “LGBT propaganda” conversation continues to heat up in Kazakhstan. Known for its controversial initiatives and stances, earlier this year the Parents' Union published a petition demanding a ban on demonstrations of non-traditional relationships in the country. The petition gained over 50,000 signatures, meaning Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information must consider it under a law passed following Tokayev’s promise of a more engaged and aware “listening state.” However, UN experts have warned that Kazakhstan should not accept the petition for consideration, as it would seriously damage the republic's image in the international arena. The authors of the petition “We are against open and hidden propaganda of LGBT in Kazakhstan,” published on the official portal E-Petition.kz, is the Kazakhstan Union of Parents. The Ministry of Culture reported that according to Article 90-4 of the Administrative Procedural Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the petition should be considered. A working group, which includes representatives of interested parties, state bodies, and public associations, has been established, and hearings are underway. [caption id="attachment_21311" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Poster of Kazakh composer Kurmangazy Sagyrbaiuly and Russian poet Aleksandr Pushkin, Havas Worldwide, Facebook[/caption] UN warning On July 31, UN experts said Kazakhstan should reject the petition calling for a law banning gay propaganda. The statement was attributed to Graham Reed, Independent Expert on the Protection against Violence and Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender, Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mary Llor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Gina Romero Rodriguez, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education. "The Government of Kazakhstan should reject the petition it is considering for legislation that violates freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The petition itself is based on prejudice, and any legislation resulting from it inevitably and unlawfully tramples on human rights,” the UN experts stated. In their opinion, the call for a ban on propaganda of the LGBT movement contradicts the Administrative Procedure Code of Kazakhstan. According to it, the government is prohibited from considering petitions, the implementation of which may lead to the violations of human rights and freedoms. If the government responds to the petition and adopts a law banning the public expression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) identity, it would violate many rights, including freedom of expression and equality before the law, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Kazakhstan ratified in 2005. The UN has previously expressed concern about similar bills on so-called “LGBT propaganda” in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation. In Russia, laws against “LGBT propaganda” were introduced in 2013 and were tightened in 2022. A complete legal ban on LGBT propaganda (among people of all ages) was introduced, administrative cases were conducted, and internet resources were blocked. Kyrgyzstan passed a similar law in 2023, effectively...

Propaganda LGBTQ+ Human rights Legislation

Petition against ‘LGBT Propaganda’ in Kazakhstan: Opinions and Comments

A recent petition against so-called "LGBT propaganda", which gathered more than 50 thousand signatures, has resonated throughout Kazakhstan. According to legislation, the Ministry of Culture and Information is now obliged to consider this petition. The petition ‘We are Against Open and Concealed LGBT Propaganda’ authored by Kazakhstan’s Parents’ Union, followed the block in January, of a LGBT community website which the Ministry of Culture claimed to contain information “harmful to the health and development of children.” Reporting on the issue, TCA quoted the reactions of various public figures, including Khalida Azhigulova, a human rights activist and lawyer who pronouncing the petition illegal, claimed it transmitted “hatred and intolerance toward an entire social group.” She also asserted that “a ban on so-called LGBT propaganda would be a gross violation of Kazakhstan’s international human rights obligations.” Echoing her sentiment, feminist and activist Aigerim Kusayynkgzy, stated, “In terms of human rights, I hope such inhumane laws will not be passed.” Bagila Baltabaeva, head of the group leading the petition, reiterated its stance that through books, films, TV and social media, “same-sex love is being openly forced on our children,” promoting “unhealthy relationships.” She also warned that “those who work up the courage and speak out against LGBT propaganda are branded as retrogrades and conservatists.” Public reaction has been mixed and whilst many citizens have openly expressed their views, many have chosen to remain quiet for fear of repercussions and prejudice. TCA took to the streets to gauge current response. All contributors expressed a wish to remain anonymous. I was extremely concerned after reading this news. But at the same time, since I am sure that the president sees only democracy and approximation to European values as the way forward for our country’s development, I am not too worried about it. Kostanai advertiser I think this is a bogus petition, accepted under the guise of a "hearing" state run by a government that only purports to pay attention to the opinion of its citizens. I am sure that the majority voted on a voluntary-coercive basis, as is often the case. Many of those who voted, I believe, are civil servants, at whose expense such a large number – of signatures - was gained. This petition will be accepted because that's what the government wants. Other petitions which also garner 50 thousand votes, but not in the hands of the government, are for some reason never accepted. Taraz singer I have mixed feelings, but above all, am shocked by the level of response. How can it be that so many people are unhappy enough to willingly sign such a petition? Our country is riddled with problems in more urgent need of petitions. Almaty journalist In my opinion, there is no such thing as ‘LGBT propaganda’. One cannot become subsumed by the LGBT community through its exposure on TV or the Internet: a person is either born that way or not. Such a law will reduce the public presence of "non-traditional" relationships in society, but not...

Legislation Social Human rights LGBTQ+

Controversial Petition on “LGBT Propaganda” Passes Threshold for Consideration in Kazakhstan

A petition against so-called “LGBT propaganda” has received more than 50,000 signatures, meaning Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information must consider it. However, a number of experts believe that restrictions on the gay community would damage Kazakhstan’s image. In addition, the petition’s authors are known for their controversial initiatives. The Kazakhstan Parents' Union is the author of the petition “We are Against Open and Concealed LGBT Propaganda in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” which was published on the official E-Petition.kz portal. According to Article 90-4 of the Administrative Procedural Code, the government must consider a petition with 50,000 signatures. A working group including interested parties, government agencies, and public associations will be created. The consideration of official petitions are a relatively recent innovation. So far, only three have collected the required number of signatures. The first came in the wake of the Nukenova murder at the hands of a disgraced former minister. It was considered by the Kazakhstan president himself and brought about landmark legislation on domestic violence. The decision to allow public input via petitions is seen as a sign of the fulfillment of President Tokayev's promise of a more engaging and aware "listening state." Kazakhstan has seen repeated attempts to include in various legislative acts such a ban on promoting “nontraditional relations.” However, these amendments were not adopted, though numerous Mazhilis (lower chamber of parliament) deputies and public figures spoke out in favor of them. Nevertheless, there have been cases in Kazakhstan where media products containing what is deemed “homosexual content” did not reach the market. For example, in 2022, the former Minister of Culture and Information, Dauren Abaev, announced that, "In response to numerous requests from citizens and the media, I inform you, the animated film Lightyear will not be shown in Kazakhstan." Officially, however, the ministry did not prohibit the screening of the Hollywood animation in cinemas. According to rumors, distributors themselves canceled showings in response to the public outcry. Also, in January 2024, a website for LGBT people was blocked in Kazakhstan. The site, among other things, had materials to help young people answer questions about their sexual orientation. “During monitoring of the internet resource selftanu.kz, a violation of the law was identified related to the posting of information harmful to the health and development of children,” the Ministry of Culture stated in justifying blocking the site. The head of the group pushing the current petition, Bagila Baltabaeva, stated that, “Same-sex love is being openly forced on our children. It is forced [on them] in bookstores, on TV screens, and on smartphones. Young people openly spread [information about] and promote their unhealthy relationships. Thus, stealthily and subtly, new standards of sexual relations are taking shape among young people. In parallel, it is promoted that traditional values are relics of the past, a sign of backwardness. Therefore, for fear of criticism, many remain silent. And those who work up the courage and speak out against LGBT propaganda are branded as retrogrades and conservatives.” This is not the...