Pride Contested

This article explores Pride politics in post-Maidan Ukraine from queer feminist and decolonial perspectives. It aims to understand how the location of on fringes two imperial formations, namely global West Russian imperialism, shapes its consequences for LGBT communities broader society. The authors introduce concept buffer periphery as an analytic lens that focuses critically both formations simultaneously, while tracing naturalized colonial discourses. first part analyzes material-symbolic framing Kyiv marches context NGO-ization activism, police reform, war Donbas, corresponding militarization Ukrainian society region at large. analysis is focused West-centered geopolitics liberation Euro-oriented aspirations government work together animate instrumentalize them. second closely examines case Queer Anarcho-Feminist Block 2017 Pride, considering it attempt resistance neoliberalization Ukraine. suggests resulting outcome with respect rather ambiguous. While acknowledging influence public opinion media discourse well personal significance many community members, offer a critical perspective vehicle effect liberation. remains unclear what extent challenged homophobia transphobia, let alone capitalist racist regimes power, or if perhaps just converted idea into homocapitalist project producing loyal sexual citizens.