Daniel Vais writes about the inspiration for the ‘To Russian LGBT – with love’ event, a collaboration between Dalston Superstore, Culture Device and the Queer Archives.

The event ‘To Russian LGBT – with love’ is a collaboration between Dalston Superstore, Culture Device and the Queer Archives. We are three organizations that care about culture and community, so we cooperated on an event to raise concern over the treatment of the LGBT community by the Russian government. We decided to take action to support the Russian LGBT community, and to let them know that they are not alone.

It is also important to tackle darkness – and the Putin Regime is a dark regime. There are far important things to focus on in the world right now rather than to judge people based on their sexuality. We also have to think carefully about where we hold world events, such as the Winter Olympics – we should not do that in countries that disrespect humanity.

We are in contact with LGBT and human rights organizations from Russia. When other communities in other countries are in need it feels to me like my own community is in need. It’s a duty to organize this event, an honor, and that’s why I want people to join. It is an opportunity to unite in solidarity, to help and support.

It is important for the gay community to act as a community, to have a political voice. There are still attacks on gay people in London. This event is a support for the LGBT community in Russia, but it’s also a support for human beings in general, regardless of their sexuality, body shape, spiritual beliefs, and so on. People are different, and that is the beauty of it. We have to accept each other. We have to focus on the truth of our souls. Our soul doesn’t have sexuality or color or race, and when we start looking at humans as souls, there are no boundaries or limitations.

With this event we want to tell the LGBT people in Russia and around the world: You have the right to be free, to live your life the way you want to. It’s not right for anyone, any government, any religion, to take away your freedom and your power, of being human, to torture you and kill you.

The event on October 6th, will consist of speakers – some of them writers, activists and artists – to share their voice of reason. There will be performances as well as DJs, after the speaking event. The community needs to be heard outside the event. It’s time to take action. We have to help people in need. If they are not free, we are not, because we are one.

Confirmed speakers include Jonny Woo, Angela Mason, Bruce La Bruce, Ursula Martinez, Christopher Bryant of Polari Magazine, Owen Jones, Nik Thakkar, Oreet Ashery, Mahmoud Hassino, Paola Revenioti, Dusty O, Lizzie The Lezzy, Panagiotis Chatzistefanou, Jonathan Kemp, All Out and Jamie McDermott.

To Russian LGBT With Love
Sunday, 6 October 2013 from 13:00 to 18:00
The Yard Theatre, Unit 2a, White Post Lane, Hackney Wick, Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN

Dalston Superstore // Culture Device // TEDxHackney

Tickets work on a “pay what you can basis” with 30 tickets available at £5, 40 tickets available at £8 and 30 tickets available at £10.

To buy a ticket go to Eventbrite: http://torussialgbtwithlove.eventbrite.co.uk/