Katie Heyes
Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has recently spoken out against her country’s attitudes towards to homosexuality after coming out.
Kasatkina Opens Up About Her Sexuality
The 25-year-old, who reached the French Open semi-finals last month, opened up about her sexuality in a YouTube interview with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko.
“Living in the closet is impossible.”
When asked if she was in a relationship, Kasatkina revealed she has a girlfriend. She expressed a sense of relief for having come out: “Living in the closet is impossible.”
“Not for the long run, no. It is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focused on that until you choose to come out,” she added.
Homophobia in Russia
While homosexuality is not illegal in Russia, homophobia is still rife across the country. This was exacerbated by the law passed in 2013, which prohibits “propaganda of homosexuality.”
The Russian parliament is reportedly seeking to broaden this legislation, which would consequently ban any film, TV and internet content which is deemed to be “promoting” LGBTQ relations.
Kasatkina commented on the troubling realities for the LGBT community within the country. When asked if it would be safe to hold hands with her girlfriend, she replied: “Never … judging by things that are going on now, it will never be OK.”
She continued to condemn the notion that sexual orientation is a choice, especially when the LGBT community are habitually marginalised.
“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming [gay] is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight.
“If there is a choice, nobody would choose being gay, why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?” she said.
Kasatkina said she was inspired by Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who also recently came out, claiming her actions will empower other LGBT people in Russia.
“Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others. I believe it is important that influential people from sports, or any other sphere really, speak about it.”
Russia-Ukraine War
When asked about the war in Ukraine, Kasatkina explained how she felt powerless to change anything.
“I can’t imagine what they’re going through, it’s a full-blown nightmare. I’d do anything I can but unfortunately that’s impossible and I think you [Kravchenko] understand it. We can’t affect it. We can’t change events that unfold. It makes you powerless, you feel powerless.”
While other Russian tennis players have called for an end to the war, including eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev, this reportedly marked the first time a Russian tennis player has publicly criticised the war.
Kasatkina was asked if she was worried that she would never be able to go back to Russia, having spoken so publicly about her sexuality and the war. She replied: “Yes, I have thought about it,” before breaking down in tears.
Featured image courtesy of G.Griffis via Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Katie Heyes
Hi, I'm Katie, a Modern Languages graduate from Durham University and I'm currently training for the NCTJ qualification. I have been doing freelance writing for a number of magazines such as Palatinate UK, Sur in English and the Indiependent with a particular interest in Theatre and Film. I hope to share my passion for these particular subjects for future magazines.