Post submitted by Hayley Miller, former HRC Associate Director of Digital and Social

On May 9, HRC, Human Rights First and Amnesty International USA will protest in front of the Russian ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C. about the ongoing atrocities against LGBTQ people in the republic of Chechnya, which is part of the Russian Federation.

Gay men in particular have been rounded up, tortured and even killed by Chechen authorities simply for being who they are. The Russian LGBT Network says that as many as 20 men may have been killed in the attacks. The paper also reported that Chechen authorities were engaged in purging gay men by kidnapping and imprisoning them secretly in detention-style camps.

HRC has worked with the U.S. Administration, the U.S. Congress, the United Nations and our membership to raise up our voices to send a clear message that we have our #EyesOnChechnya and that the human rights violations must stop.

Can’t make the rally? Send an email to President Trump and urge his administration to take immediate action by calling on Russia to stop the murder and detention of LGBTQ people in Chechnya.

RSVP to the rally here and learn more about the situation in Chechnya here.