Olena Shevchenko

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Olena Olehivna Shevchenko (born 1982) is a Ukrainian teacher turned activist who works for women’s and LGBT rights. In 2007 she co-founded the NGO Insight to push for LGBT inclusion on feminist platforms, later becoming its chair. She helped start annual events like the Women’s Day March, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, and the Festival of Equality to fight discrimination in Ukraine and other former Soviet countries. She has led both national and international groups, serving as co-chair of the LGBT Council of Ukraine and on boards for IGLYO, ILGA-Europe, and EL*C. She has faced threats and attacks but continues to advocate for change. Her work has earned awards such as the Human Rights Tulip in 2021 and the International Prize of the City of Paris for the Rights of LGBTI+ People in 2022. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, she moved to Lviv and helped organize shelters and cross-border relief networks with EL*C to aid women, children, and LGBT refugees. The Times named her Women of the Year in 2023 for her leadership during the war and ongoing advocacy. She remains active in publishing reports and supporting LGBT rights in Ukraine.