Kyiv City State Administration Accused of Blasphemy Over LGBT Avatar Featuring Archangel Michael

The Kyiv City State Administration found itself at the center of a scandal after an avatar featuring Archangel Michael against the backdrop of the rainbow flag—a symbol of the LGBT movement—appeared on its official social media pages. With this move, the Kyiv administration “decided to join Pride Month, declaring support for the values of equality and tolerance,” reports Hlavkom.

The initiative immediately sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Many users expressed outrage at the combination of a Christian sacred figure with LGBT symbolism, calling it blasphemy. Amid public outcry, the Kyiv administration later changed the avatar, replacing the rainbow flag with a circle of similar colors around the image of Archangel Michael. However, this version also failed to quell criticism, and the image was eventually removed altogether.

In a statement on June 2, the city administration explained that this was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the principles of equality, respect, and humanity. The Kyiv authorities emphasized that “barrier-free access” refers not only to physical accessibility but also to the right of every person to feel accepted and protected in their city and to participate in civic life without fear of discrimination.

Despite these explanations, the use of Archangel Michael—the heavenly patron of Kyiv—in combination with LGBT symbolism provoked a strong reaction from part of society, ultimately forcing the authorities to abandon both avatar versions.

Recall that on May 15, 2025, municipal authorities in Chișinău passed a decision banning LGBT propaganda and gay parades in the Moldovan capital. Notably, over 85% of Moldova’s population opposes any promotion of non-traditional values.