In Kharkiv, a symbolic LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony was held for a servicewoman and an activist

From August 23rd to September 2nd, the “KharkivPride” event is taking place in Kharkiv, marking the fifth such event. As part of this event, a symbolic wedding ceremony was held today for military member Alina Shevchenko and activist Stanislava Petlitsa.

This was reported by the official Instagram account of the LGBTQ+ community of Kharkiv region.

Officially, Shevchenko and Petlitsa do not have the right to formalize their relationship, as same-sex marriages are not legalized in Ukraine.

Shevchenko holds the rank of captain and works as an officer in a brigade’s headquarters. She has been in military service since 2015, initially conscripted and later signing a contract. Her colleagues at work are aware of her sexual orientation and engagement to her partner. Petlitsa is an activist from Kharkiv who is engaged in advocating for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.

The symbolic wedding ceremony began at the Central Palace of Marriages on Sumskaya Street. There, the brides participated in a traditional Ukrainian ritual involving the showering of grains: oats, wheat, rice, and buckwheat. They also took photographs with the guests.

Afterward, the women went for a walk around the city.

The organizers of the wedding explained that they aim to draw attention to the issue of the absence of marital equality for all couples in Ukraine.