Official Statement: A Stand for Justice and Human Rights

Following recent judicial developments and the escalating pressure on civil society organisations within the Russian Federation, the Charitable Foundation Sphere (CFSphere) issues this formal statement to clarify our position, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to the community we serve. For years, our organisation has stood as a bastion for equality, providing essential legal, psychological, and social support to LGBT+ individuals facing systemic discrimination. Today, as we navigate a landscape of increasing hostility, we reaffirm that while legal structures may be challenged, the principles of human rights and community solidarity remain indestructible.

We remain committed to helping our community navigate the expanded propaganda ban and its various legal and social consequences.

The recent rulings by the Kuibyshevsky District Court and the subsequent threats of liquidation represent more than just a legal hurdle for a single foundation; they signify a broader attempt to silence the voices of those advocating for the marginalised. We view these actions not as a reflection of the legality of our work, but as a response to the effectiveness of our advocacy. Our mission has always been transparent: to foster a society where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and safety.

The Context of the Liquidation Ruling

The legal challenges faced by Charitable Foundation Sphere are intrinsically linked to the broader crackdown on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Russia. The use of the ‘foreign agent’ framework and the expansion of the so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ ban have created a precarious environment for human rights defenders. The specific attempts to liquidate our foundation are based on the premise that our activities—specifically our advocacy for LGBT+ rights—contradict the ‘traditional values’ enshrined in current state policy.

We contend that human rights are universal and that the protection of vulnerable groups is a fundamental duty of any modern society. The legal arguments presented against us often conflate human rights advocacy with political subversion. However, providing a helpline for victims of hate crimes, offering legal counsel to those facing workplace discrimination, and creating safe spaces for community dialogue are acts of humanitarian service, not political agitation. The move to dissolve our legal entity is an attempt to dismantle the infrastructure of support that thousands of people rely upon.

Our Unwavering Commitment to the Community

Despite the threat of formal liquidation, the spirit and the mission of Sphere cannot be erased by a court order. We understand that our community is feeling a sense of profound uncertainty and fear. To those individuals, we say: you are not alone, and our work to support you will continue in every capacity allowed by the current circumstances. The bonds of community and the networks of mutual aid that we have helped build over the years are resilient and decentralised.

Our commitment remains focused on several key pillars:

• Legal Protection: We will continue to provide guidance on navigating the increasingly complex legal landscape for LGBT+ individuals in Russia, ensuring that people understand their rights even in restricted environments.
• Psychological Support: The mental health crisis within the community, exacerbated by state-sponsored homophobia, remains a priority. We are dedicated to maintaining pathways for professional psychological assistance.
• Safety and Security: We will continue to educate our community on digital safety and physical security, helping individuals protect themselves from state surveillance and extremist violence.
• International Advocacy: While domestic avenues for justice may be narrowing, we will continue to highlight the human rights situation in Russia on the international stage, ensuring that the world does not turn a blind eye to these violations.

Navigating a Hostile Legal Landscape

The expansion of the LGBT propaganda ban to include adults has effectively criminalised the public existence of our community. This law does not just target activists; it targets the very idea of visibility. In this environment, the work of Charitable Foundation Sphere has had to evolve. We have moved towards more secure, digital-first methods of engagement, ensuring that those who need help can access it without putting themselves at undue risk.

The legal team at Sphere has worked tirelessly to appeal rulings that seek to stifle our operations. These appeals are not merely procedural; they are a necessary record of dissent. They document the erosion of civil liberties and provide a historical account of the struggle for equality during this period. We believe that history will judge these restrictive measures as a temporary setback in the inevitable march towards a more inclusive and just society.

The Importance of Continued Solidarity

Now, more than ever, the support of our allies—both within Russia and across the globe—is vital. The attempt to liquidate Sphere is intended to isolate the LGBT+ community and break the spirit of those who fight for them. Solidarity is the most effective counter-measure to this isolation. We urge our partners and supporters to continue sharing our stories, supporting our initiatives, and advocating for the rights of all citizens to live free from persecution.

The resilience of the Russian LGBT+ community is remarkable. Despite the threat of fines, detention, and social ostracism, younger generations are finding innovative ways to connect and support one another online. This grassroots resilience is the foundation upon which the future of our movement will be built. The Charitable Foundation Sphere is proud to be a part of this ecosystem, and we will continue to adapt our methods to meet the needs of the moment.

Our Work Continues

To our beneficiaries, volunteers, and supporters: the Charitable Foundation Sphere is more than just a registered name. It is a collective effort to build a better world. While the formal structure of the foundation faces unprecedented pressure, the expertise, the passion, and the dedication of our team remain intact. We are exploring all legal avenues to continue our operations and are committed to transparency regarding our status as the situation evolves.

We thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support and offers of help. Your courage fuels our own. We will continue to stand for advocacy, equality, and community-driven change, regardless of the obstacles placed in our path. The sphere of our influence is not defined by a legal registration, but by the lives we touch and the rights we defend.