A member of the LGBTQ+ who fled an area of occupied Ukraine that was under siege from invading Russian forces has sought refuge in Edinburgh.
Nick Jeorg, a 22-year-old journalism student from Kyiv, has come to the capital in order to escape the war and the dangers faced members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine.
In order to support the community back home however, he has asked Smoke & Mirrors to help fundraise for the LGBTQ+ and women's charity, Insight, through their Queer Comedy Scotland night on June 5.
All of the proceeds from the ticket money will go towards the charity and those unable to make the event but want to help can pay for a forward ticket.
Nick says that amid escalating violence, LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine are now facing the additional fear of persecution just for being themselves.
Many are having to flee their homeland in search of safety and freedom.
Nick said: “Many LGBT+ people in Ukraine are facing mental health issues due to homophobia from their families and in everyday life because of this, there is a lot of stress and fear in the community which can place us in even greater danger.
"In Ukraine before the war there weren't many LGBT+ places but now the war has started, and many cities have been bombed, it's putting us at an even greater risk."
He continued: "A lot of LGBT+ people have left because they can't stay due to the military and hostile homophobic atmosphere. Sadly it's too dangerous.
"We want a safe place, to go out in the streets with our partners and husbands and visit gay clubs and bars, community centres and speak about freedom and issues that matter, but since the war started it is not possible.”
He said he falls within the current conscription age bracket, and that young men spotted out on the streets could be captured by the military and forced to fight.
When leaving the country Nick ended up getting stuck in an occupied region of Ukraine, which is under Russian military control.
He spoke about the terrifying experience of walking the streets as he claims there is a chance of being captured and forced to fight on the front line for Russia against the Ukrainian people.
Nick said: "It's so dangerous because the Russian army is in the streets, and they take Ukrainians in occupied territory and send them to fight on the front line against their own.
"I was there for months in the occupied territory but I found a way to get to Latvia then Edinburgh.
"It was a long way and a dangerous way but I did it and got here safely, maybe it was just luck.”
When arriving in the capital, Nick was greeted by volunteers who settled him into a hotel close to the airport before sorting long term accommodation.
Bryon Stewart, the owner of Smoke and Mirrors in Leith, said: “As a female owned business, Smoke and Mirrors has always been against prejudice of any kind and has helped to raise money for LGBT+ groups within Edinburgh in the past.
“So we are very happy to be helping our monthly comedy host Queer Comedy Scotland raise money for Insight LGBTQ+/women charity in Ukraine.
“With the start of Pride month we don’t only look at ourselves but also how LGBTQ+ people all over the world are treated.
“So when Nick Jeorg, an LGBTQ+ Ukrainian refugee, asked for help raising money to help LGBTQ+ people still in Ukraine, we thought our Queer Comedy Scotland night on June 5 2022 at Smoke & Mirrors would be the perfect setting.
“We have chosen to give all the ticket money - £5 per ticket - from this month’s night on to Insight.
“As a charity they help the LGBTQ+ community with temporary housing, relocation to safer areas, food, medicine and first-needed supplies across Ukraine .
“Acts on the night will be hosted by Eliott Simpson with Roisin Kenny, Sam Lake, Rae Brogan and Lee Brophy performing - doors will open at 7:00pm.”
Those wishing to support can buy a ticket for the night by clicking here.
Those looking to buy a forward ticket can do so here.
You can learn more about Smoke & Mirrors through their Instagram here.
