"We are equal and have equal rights": Zelenskyi speaks about LGBT people and social prejudice
Answering a question from veteran and Mariupol defender Oleksandr Demenko about whether Ukraine today needs cultural products to normalize LGBT issues and increase tolerance and inclusion among the public, Zelenskyi stressed the importance of open public discussion of such topics.
At the same time, the head of state noted that an honest conversation about tolerance and the LGBT community is needed not only with the younger generation, but above all with older people.
"I believe we should talk not only to our children, because our children are much cooler than our generation," Zelenskyi added.
It is worth noting that the president called the number of applications submitted for the "Tysiachovesna" competition historic. More than 2,600 projects applied to take part in the program.
The 2026 state budget allocates 4 billion hryvnias for implementing the "Tysiachovesna" program. Of this amount, 2.6 billion hryvnias is planned for the production of film content, including feature and animated films, series, and non-fiction documentaries.
Another 1 billion hryvnias is earmarked for the development of other types of content, including contemporary music, performing, and visual arts. About 300 million hryvnias are planned for the creation of audiovisual shows and social media content.
The program launched on April 3. Applications were accepted until June 4. From June 10 to July 21, experts will evaluate the submitted projects, and their public presentation is scheduled for August.
Funding for the selected projects is expected to begin in September-December 2026.
Background
As reported, "Tysiachovesna" is an initiative by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to develop contemporary Ukrainian culture. The Ministry of Culture and the Office of the President of Ukraine will implement the project, which has a budget of 4 billion hryvnias.
It should be noted that a Verkhovna Rada committee is considering a bill that would strengthen liability for hate crimes and create protection mechanisms for Roma communities, LGBTIQ+ people, women, male and female veterans, and other vulnerable groups.
As reported, Rubryka spoke with an expert about the shortcomings of the draft new Civil Code on family issues and learned how the document not only restricts the right to love but also threatens the European integration process. Read about how the situation can be changed in the article "Forbidden right to love: What's wrong with the civil code draft and how to fix it."
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12 of June 2026
