Elena Kostyuchenko, Russian journalist and LGBTQ+ activist on The Unseen at Riverside Studios

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including suicide.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Elena Kostyuchenko, a Russian journalist and LGBTQ+ activist, to discuss the harrowing situation faced by queer communities in Russia. Kostyuchenko shares shocking insights into the legal and social challenges confronting LGBTQ+ individuals, including the threat of being labeled as extremists and the complete erasure of transgender rights. She reveals startling statistics about suicide rates among transgender Russians and makes a heartfelt plea for international support and solidarity.

Our conversation with Kostyuchenko coincides with the final performances of 'The Unseen' at Riverside Studios, running until December 14th 2024. This timely play explores themes of resilience under oppressive regimes, mirroring the real-life struggles Kostyuchenko describes. Don't miss this eye-opening episode that sheds light on the urgent human rights issues in Russia and the power of art to amplify marginalised voices.

Get tickets to The Unseen at Riverside Studios:

https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/the-unseen-132224/

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