Медіа: Nashe Misto

Stories of Heroism and Discrimination of LGBTIQ+ in the Military Context

Context

During the full-scale war, Ukrainian media have increasingly highlighted the heroism and sacrifice of military personnel. At the same time, the experiences of certain groups — including LGBTIQ+ people serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine — remain underrepresented or are often framed through stereotypes.

For LGBTIQ+ service members, military service frequently means a double struggle: against an external enemy and against discrimination, prejudice, and misunderstanding within society and, at times, within the military environment itself. This gap between contribution and recognition became the starting point of the article.

What has been done

The editorial team of Nashe Misto became interested in the topic of LGBT+ military personnel while participating in a gender-sensitive journalism mentoring program organized by the Volyn Press Club. During the training, the team analyzed audience reactions to various topics and noticed a troubling pattern: whenever LGBT+ military personnel were mentioned, social media comments were predominantly negative.

“This was a signal for us — the topic is painful, which means there are stereotypes and prejudices that need to be addressed. We realized that our audience did not see real people behind the abbreviation ‘LGBT+.’ We wanted to convey a simple idea: heroism has no orientation. A person who defends your city, your home, your family deserves respect regardless of whom they love. The longread was meant to become a bridge between ‘them’ and ‘us,’ showing that these are not an abstract minority somewhere far away, but people who fight, suffer, and die for Ukraine just like everyone else,” the editorial team explained.

The regional media outlet then published the longread “LGBT+ Military Personnel: A Double Struggle” as a featured topic of the day.

The article:

  • shows that despite their heroism, professionalism, and commitment to Ukraine, LGBT+ service members continue to face stereotypes, hate speech, and discrimination;
  • focuses on their real-life and service-related challenges;
  • emphasizes the importance of equal rights, safety, and state support for all military personnel, regardless of gender, background, or sexual orientation.

How it was implemented

Journalists used the longread format to combine:

  • personal stories and testimonies of military personnel;
  • social and psychological context;
  • legal aspects related to equality and human rights protection.

This comprehensive approach made it possible to present not an abstract “group,” but specific individuals with military experience, responsibilities, and a tangible contribution to the country’s defense.

The publication increased local audience awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ military personnel and of their right to equal treatment. It also sparked public discussion about inclusion and equality within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in society more broadly.

“National media often cover LGBT+ issues in a more general context or through high-profile events. Local media have a unique opportunity to make the topic personal and understandable for a specific community. Local journalism has the power to change attitudes from within — through stories that affect people directly,” the newsroom added.

The longread contributes to building a culture of solidarity and support in which heroism is not conditional and does not depend on identity.

What other media can learn

  • Cover LGBTIQ+ military personnel at the local level without stigmatization, recognizing their service and contribution.
  • Portray people first through their actions, responsibilities, and experience rather than primarily through their membership in a “vulnerable group.”
  • Use long-form journalism to address the social, legal, and cultural dimensions of inclusion in a comprehensive way.

Reframing Older Age Through Local Stories of Active Living

Context

In Ukrainian media, older people are often portrayed primarily through the lens of vulnerability, need, or social problems. This narrows public perceptions of ageing and leaves little room for stories of activity, self-realization, and engagement with the community.

For local media, the topic of older age is particularly important because the quality of older people’s daily lives is shaped largely at the city level through access to cultural, educational, and social initiatives.

What has been done

The regional media outlet Nashe Misto produced the longread “The Art of Living with Interest: How Dnipro Creates a Comfortable Environment for Older People,” featuring stories of older residents of Dnipro who continue to live actively, develop new skills, and contribute to their community.

The article:

  • presents examples of self-realization in later life, including discovering new talents, participating in community groups, and helping others;
  • demonstrates how the city and local initiatives are creating a more comfortable and inclusive environment for older residents;
  • shifts the focus from the “problem” of age to the potential of later life and the value of experience.

How it was implemented

Journalists used a longread format built around a series of interviews with active older residents of Dnipro. This approach made it possible to portray ageing through vivid, motivating stories rooted in a local context while avoiding generalizations and stereotypes. The publication increased audience awareness of both the needs and the opportunities of older people and drew attention to positive local practices that support their inclusion in community life.

The article also encouraged readers to become more active in community life and to support intergenerational solidarity, demonstrating how journalism can foster a more inclusive understanding of older age.

What other media can learn

  • Tell stories about older people through the lens of activity, agency, and self-realization rather than only through problems or limitations.
  • Avoid infantilizing older people or framing them primarily through pity or loneliness.
  • Treat age with the same care as gender or disability; age is part of identity, not a synonym for vulnerability.
  • Ask not only “What is difficult for you?” but also “What interests you?” and “What would you like to do next?”
  • Avoid generalizations such as “all pensioners”; older age is diverse and people have very different experiences, health conditions, resources, and opportunities.
  • Highlight the role of local initiatives and communities that directly influence older people’s quality of life.
  • Involve older people as experts on their own lives and communities, not only as subjects of social stories.
  • Use long-form journalism to challenge age stereotypes and promote intergenerational solidarity.