Ukraine/Canada: Ukrainian Lesbian and Gay Association (ULGA) of Toronto including its activities, size, gender composition, languages spoken, accessibility for new immigrants and refugees
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 27 December 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ40541.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ukraine/Canada: Ukrainian Lesbian and Gay Association (ULGA) of Toronto including its activities, size, gender composition, languages spoken, accessibility for new immigrants and refugees, 27 December 2002, ZZZ40541.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4e460.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The goals of the Ukrainian Lesbian and Gay Association (ULGA), which was founded in Toronto in 2000 are
to provide education and outreach on sexual orientation issues in the Ukrainian Canadian community
to connect with and support other lesbian and gay organizations in Canada, Ukraine and internationally
to support the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Canada and Ukraine
to assist newly arrived lesbian and gay Ukrainians (ULGA n.d. Mission Statement).
ULGA's mandate is carried out through social events and gatherings, fundraising activities, education, participation in the AIDS walk, and by providing support and resources for the lesbian and gay community (ibid. History).
In correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, a representative of ULGA stated that there are approximately 40 members of the organization (ULGA 26 Dec. 2002). Membership is composed of gay men (95%), lesbians (2%), and heterosexuals (3%) (ibid.). The representative stated that the "3% [are] mainly new immigrants gravitating to our group gathering information, photographs, and requesting support letters for their future immigration hearings" (ibid.).
English and Ukrainian are the principle languages spoken at ULGA meetings and gatherings; however, Russian is also spoken by some members of ULGA (ibid.).
Although the organization has a Website and is listed in a gay and lesbian periodical, the representative commented that ULGA is "somewhat difficult to locate" (ibid.). He added that the Ukrainian community knows of ULGA, but that they are "probably unaware of how to reach us" (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Ukrainian Lesbian and Gay Association (ULGA). 26 December 2002. Correspondence sent by a representative of ULGA.
_____. n.d. Mission Statement. "The Ukrainian Lesbian and Gay Association." _____. n.d. History. "History of ULGA."
