«The system doesn't allow it» — what it's like to be trans in modern Russia

Overview

The video presents first-person accounts of life for transgender people in contemporary Russia. It argues that state restrictions and social hostility have made everyday activities—getting healthcare, finding work, seeking protection from violence, and living openly—more difficult and dangerous.

The narrator frames Russia as a warning of what can happen when governments use anti-LGBT measures and “gender ideology” rhetoric to restrict rights.

Experiences Shared

Healthcare

Interviewees describe being refused or discouraged from receiving care, including gynecological and neurological treatment. Some avoid doctors because they expect prejudice or cannot afford private clinics. Several say that disclosing they are trans changed doctors’ attitudes or led to inappropriate psychiatric diagnoses.

The video also cites psychiatrist Olga Bukhanovskaya’s claim that transgender identity is linked to Western influence and discusses the use of diagnoses such as schizotypal personality disorder to characterize trans people.

Work and Public Life

People describe employers rejecting or dismissing them, or pressuring them to conceal their identity. Some also faced harassment from colleagues or customers. One person says a customer’s repeated harassment escalated to a knife attack. The victim reports that police mocked them and used their former name, while the attacker received only probation.

Another interviewee says police dismissed their report of an assault by blaming their appearance.

Family and Education

Interviewees recount domestic abuse, threats of being expelled from home, school bullying, and teachers who either failed to intervene or joined in the hostility. One person says they were pressured to change their appearance and barred from classes.

Despite these experiences, interviewees speak about wanting to live, pursue their interests, and be treated as ordinary human beings.

Leaving Russia

Yalo, who leads Centre T’s migration project, explains that leaving Russia can require money, valid travel documents, and action before a draft notice restricts travel. Centre T helps people explore migration and asylum options and operates a shelter in Armenia, but says demand exceeds its limited capacity.

The video describes successful asylum cases in the EU as exceptions rather than the norm.

Closing Argument

The video warns that scapegoating LGBT people can accompany broader attacks on rights and democracy. It urges viewers to organize, support trans people, and challenge dehumanizing rhetoric. It also encourages trans people to build support networks and asks viewers to support Centre T’s work through donations.

Presenters and Contributors

• The narrator/interviewer is not named in the subtitles.
• Yalo is identified as the lead of Centre T’s migration project.
• Olga Bukhanovskaya is identified as a psychiatrist and is quoted in the video.
• The interviewed trans people are not identified.
• Luka Matiushenko is credited in the video metadata as producer and editor.