Ukrainian TV presenter, actress, and founder of a culinary school, Dasha Malakhova, shared personal memories that became a reaction to the discussion of LGBT rights in Ukrainian society, particularly among the military. In a post on her Facebook page, she openly declared her experience of same-sex relationships in the past and called for acceptance of herself and others.
"I have been in same-sex relationships twice. I am a mother. I am the founder of a school. I am the person who tells you: stop being afraid of yourself," Malakhova wrote.
The actress compared human nature to a rainbow with many shades, and emphasized that homophobia is not just aggression against others, but a person's deep fear of himself. She emphasized that war does not eliminate the need for care, tenderness and love, which can come in unexpected forms.
“I have a good friend who is currently serving in the hottest areas. And suddenly I receive a message from him: “Dasha, I want to talk. How do you feel about same-sex relationships? This happened to me here…” — Malakhova described the emotional confession of a soldier who unexpectedly felt closeness and care from another man at the front.
The presenter emphasized: "It absolutely does not matter what gender the person next to you is. And that's normal. Rejection will only make this abyss unspeakably scary."
Dasha also thanked LGBT servicemen for their service and courage to be themselves: "I am proud and grateful to the LGBT community in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am not being aggressive, but I ask you to see the reality. And this is what it is."
Malakhova is now happily married to Sergei, a man ten years her junior. Together they raise two sons from a previous marriage to a Hungarian citizen.
