A New Beginning: Learning Spanish, Surviving Homophobia

In 2017, Natalia and Oksana—a lesbian couple with their young daughter, Dasha—fled Russia after the anti-LGBT “gay propaganda” law intensified persecution. They sought refuge in Barcelona, Spain, and part of their journey toward rebuilding a new life involved learning Spanish together themillennial.home.blog +11 them.us +11 reddit.com +11 . Integration through language: While awaiting asylum approval, both mothers and their daughter immersed themselves in Spanish classes. Six-year-old Dasha would greet passersby with a bright “¡Hola!”—a heartwarming sign of adaptation . Forming new communities: Through language learning, they met other LGBTQ+ refugees via support groups like ACATHI, finding both social ties and a sense of belonging. Rebuilding identity: Spanish became more than just a language; it was a gateway to safety, resilience, and the ability to raise their child openly. Their story shows how language acquisition can empower and heal for LGBTQ+ migrants, helping them adapt culturally, form connections, and reclaim their identities in welcoming societies.