GAYCATION with Ellen Page and Ian Daniel Season 2 Episode 2 Ukraine

Ellen Page and Ian Daniel take us on a poignant journey through Ukraine, where they explore the current socio-political climate of the country especially as it impacts the LGBTQ community. In this episode, they delve into the challenges that Ukraine's LGBTQ community is facing and the efforts by activists to effect change and bring about societal acceptance.

The episode starts with Ellen and Ian arriving in Kiev, Ukraine's capital city, where they meet with a group of young activists who are working tirelessly to promote LGBTQ rights. They quickly learn that the country has a challenging social-political landscape that presents a significant threat to the community's existence. With the rise of far-right nationalism in the country, the activists have to work covertly to avoid persecution and physical violence from vigilante groups.

The hosts meet a married lesbian couple who are pushing back against societal expectations and norms. The couple had been living together for years without being recognized as married before the introduction of a new law that made it possible for them to formalize their union. The women share their struggle with being accepted by their families and the societal stigma that comes with being a same-sex couple.

The show then takes us to a meeting with a civil-rights lawyer who discusses the legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Ukraine. She shares the reality of the discrimination and intolerance that exists- particularly in the workplace and family. As they speak, Ellen and Ian understand the gravity of the situation. They discover that Ukrainian gays are not even allowed to donate blood because they are considered a potential risk to public health and safety.

Gaycation also takes us to Kiev Pride, the largest LGBTQ pride festival in the country. Ellen and Ian join the thousands of activists, couples, and community supporters celebrating the event. However, the festivities had to be held amid a heavy police presence, particularly since anti-LGBTQ organizations had made significant threats to disrupt the parade. They imbibe the general mood, rejoicing as individuals affirm their right to love and be whoever they want to be - despite people who despise their way of life.

Ellen and Ian also take the time to explore the rural Ukrainian setting, where they met with an openly-gay man; the first ever openly-gay resident in a community that prizes old customs and traditions. The man tells them about his experience with aggression and discrimination from some of the other members of his community who believe he is somehow “morally corrupt." Despite the adversity, he remains determined and hopeful that his community can, one day recognize , embrace and accept him for who he is.

Towards the end of the episode, Ellen and Ian meet with a transgender woman, who shares her experience of transitioning in Ukraine. They learn the immense toll that transitioning takes on the health of transgender individuals—financially and physically, in addition to the harsh repercussions coming from the larger community.

Gaycation Ukraine concludes on a solemn tone, reflecting on the courage and determination of the country's LGBTQ individuals—to resist repression, marginalization, and violence. The episode is a window into understanding and empathizing with the global struggle that people who don't conform to binary gender norms face. The show is a must-watch for anyone who empathizes with these particular plights or wants to learn more and #lgbtqia+ history.