Standing Together: The Campaign for Civil Society and Equality

The journey of the Sphere Foundation has always been defined by a commitment to the fundamental principles of human rights, equality, and the empowerment of marginalised communities. However, as the legal and social landscape shifts, our mission has transitioned into a critical campaign for survival and justice. This campaign is not merely about one organisation; it is about the broader right of civil society to exist, to advocate, and to support those who have been silenced by restrictive legislation and systemic prejudice.

At CFSphere, we believe that advocacy is a collective endeavour. Our current campaign focuses on mobilising international and local support to challenge the liquidation rulings that threaten our ability to provide essential services. From legal aid to psychological support, the work we do serves as a lifeline for many. By joining this campaign, you are standing in solidarity with those who refuse to let the flame of human rights be extinguished.

The Legal Battle for Existence

The recent rulings by the St. Petersburg City Court and the Kuibyshevsky District Court have presented an existential threat to our foundation. The drive toward liquidation is based on a narrow and exclusionary interpretation of social utility, suggesting that advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community is somehow ‘incompatible’ with traditional values. Our campaign seeks to highlight the fallacy of this argument. Human rights are universal, and the protection of one group does not diminish the rights of another; rather, it strengthens the fabric of a democratic society.

Our legal team has filed numerous appeals, documenting the procedural inconsistencies and the broader human rights violations inherent in these rulings. This campaign serves as a platform to share these legal developments, ensuring that the world sees the challenges faced by human rights defenders in restricted environments. We are not just fighting a court case; we are fighting for the legal recognition of equality.

Core Objectives of the Campaign

• Defending the Right to Associate: We are campaigning to uphold the constitutional right to form organisations and advocate for social change without fear of state-mandated dissolution.
• Providing Legal Protection: A significant portion of our campaign resources is dedicated to providing pro bono legal counsel to individuals affected by the ‘LGBT propaganda’ ban and other discriminatory laws.
• Raising Global Awareness: By sharing our story through international human rights networks, we aim to put pressure on institutions to recognise and condemn the crackdown on Russian civil society.
• Ensuring Community Safety: We provide resources and training on digital security and physical safety for activists and community members operating in high-risk zones.

The Impact of the Expanded ‘Propaganda’ Ban

The expansion of the so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ ban has created a climate of fear and self-censorship. It is no longer just about protecting minors; the law now seeks to erase the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals from all public spheres. This campaign addresses the social consequences of such legislation, which include an increase in hate crimes, social isolation, and the loss of safe spaces.

Through our advocacy, we are documenting the real-world effects of these laws. We hear from individuals who have lost their jobs, students who have been expelled, and activists who have been harassed. Our campaign gives a voice to these stories, ensuring they are not lost in the noise of state-controlled media. We believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for change, and by humanising the statistics, we can build a more empathetic and informed global community.

Digital Resilience and Online Advocacy

In an environment where physical gatherings are increasingly dangerous, the digital realm has become our primary battleground. Our campaign focuses heavily on digital resilience—teaching community members how to use encrypted communication, how to bypass censorship, and how to share their stories safely. We are leveraging artificial intelligence and modern digital tools to monitor threats and provide real-time support to those in need.

Digital advocacy is about more than just posting on social media; it is about creating secure infrastructures where the community can find reliable information and mutual aid. As mainstream news outlets remain silent or hostile, CFSphere’s digital platforms serve as an essential source of truth. We are constantly evolving our strategies to stay ahead of digital surveillance, ensuring that the movement for equality remains connected and informed.

How to Support the Movement

The success of this campaign depends on the active participation of people who believe in justice. There are several ways to contribute to the resilience of the Sphere Foundation and the wider community we serve. Awareness is our first line of defence. Sharing our official statements, signing our petitions, and educating others about the legal challenges in St. Petersburg are vital actions that anyone can take.

Furthermore, we encourage our supporters to engage in ‘quiet advocacy’—supporting marginalised individuals in their local circles, fostering inclusive environments, and challenging discriminatory rhetoric where it starts. For those in a position to do so, providing platforms for our team to speak or helping to translate our resources into different languages can significantly expand the reach of our campaign. Together, we are building a network of resistance that transcends borders and legal restrictions, proving that the drive for equality cannot be liquidated.