Dear friends,
My name is on an anti-LGBT+ blacklist.
A Russian website has been encouraging its readers to hunt down dozens of Russian LGBT+ activists, supporters, and journalists, and my personal details and photo are among them.
Last week, Elena Grigoryeva – a colleague of mine – was found dead in St. Petersburg. She was stabbed and strangled to death.
Elena was on the list because she fought for the rights of LGBT+ people. She had received numerous threats, but when she reported them to the police, they ignored her.
Friends, I fear for my life. The website is currently down, but every time it disappears, it comes back online a few weeks later.
The news of Elena's murder overwhelmed me. I was so shocked and scared, I had to seek psychological help.
But I know I can't remain silent. I need to let the world know what's happening and mobilize support to keep others and myself safe.
Thanks for going All Out,
Alan Erokh,
Alliance of Heterosexuals and LGBT for Equality