On 16 May, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa participated in the official opening of the LGBT+ Veterans Hub at the newly established Community Center K41. The event was jointly organized by the embassies of Norway, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the Netherlands, as well as the NGO LGBT Military for Equal Rights, on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

 "LGBTQI+ persons are a full-fledged part of Ukrainian society. Among them are many volunteers, activists, military personnel, medical professionals, philanthropists who, despite all the challenges, have stepped forward to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom, and democratic values. Their courage also strengthens our collective efforts to advance equality and dignity for all, in line with the highest international standards”, Mariana Betsa emphasized.

The Deputy Minister stressed that this event is an important manifestation of respect for all defenders of Ukraine - regardless of their identity.