Roman Alyoshin, Russia’s first transgender politician, recently announced that he has returned to his gender assigned at birth amid a nationwide crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Previously known as Yulia Alyoshina, he made the decision to transition back to a male identity, citing a realization during Lent that he was a man. This announcement came as a surprise, especially considering his past advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights as a trans female.
Last year, while still identifying as a woman, Alyoshin dropped a bid to run for governor in Siberia’s Altai region shortly before President Vladimir Putin banned legal and surgical sex changes in Russia. In response to this, Alyoshin changed the name of his personal Telegram channel to “Alyoshin” and updated his profile picture to reflect his male identity. He expressed his patriotism for Russia, stating that he lives in the country because he is a patriot and apologized to the Russian people for his decision to detransition.
Alyoshin, who previously led the opposition Civic Initiative party in Siberia’s Altai region, announced plans to quit politics in 2022 as Russian lawmakers began to crack down on LGBTQ+ rights, specifically banning “LGBT propaganda” among all age groups. This move came after the Supreme Court of Russia outlawed the “international LGBT public movement,” leading to police raids on LGBTQ+ venues, imprisonment for displaying LGBTQ+ symbols like the rainbow flag, and criminal prosecutions of individuals associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
It remains unclear what prompted Alyoshin to detransition and return to his assigned gender. The timing of his decision to transition back to being male amidst the increasing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia has raised questions about whether external pressure or fear of persecution played a role in his choice. Alyoshin’s change in identity comes at a time when the LGBTQ+ community in Russia is facing significant challenges and threats to their safety and rights.
As a prominent figure in Russian politics and LGBTQ+ activism, Alyoshin’s decision to detransition has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries where their rights are under attack. The situation in Russia, with the recent legal and social restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals, highlights the struggles and dangers that many in the community face on a daily basis. Alyoshin’s story sheds light on the complex and difficult decisions that LGBTQ+ individuals may be forced to make in repressive political environments.
Overall, Roman Alyoshin’s detransition and return to his assigned gender in Russia symbolize the challenges and dangers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the country. His decision to revert to a male identity amidst a national crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights raises important questions about the impact of political repression on personal identity and choices. Alyoshin’s journey highlights the ongoing struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in oppressive environments and underscores the need for greater support and protection for marginalized communities facing discrimination and persecution.
