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   So, my name is Alec (for short, officially according the passport I'm Oleg, but I dislike when friends call me that way). I am gay journalist from Ukraine. As for my education I've got degree in Psychology studying at the Kharkov State University. But the journalism was more fascinating for me that's why after graduation I began to work in mass media - on the radio and in the press. Later on I've understood that the printed media are more suitable for me. I worked as the art-director of The Screen magazine published by state TV and radio company, editor-in-chief of Erotic Kharkov newspaper, and as the publisher of Soldier of Love - monthly bulletin for the gay people. The both projects were banned by Ukrainian authorities and The Screen magazine were closed by founder by state TV and radio company in 1997.

   Since that time I work as free-lance journalist for several Ukrainian papers, mags such as Simona, The Stars, and for gay Internet projects. It helps me to survive in difficult economic and political situation in this country. Last political crisis in the Ukraine has direct connection to the aspects of free speech - because Ukrainian authorities limits free speech dramatically. The mass media with critical opinion about people on power have constantly to resist enormous pressure of local and national authorities. The Ukrainian court system depends of people on power completely. The Ukraine has one of leading places in the world list of killed journalists.

   Since summer 2000 I've moved to Ukrainian capital from Kharkov - the second biggest Ukrainian city. The situation is more liberal in Kiev, because the power tries to impress foreign visitors positive way. However the problems are common in capital and in province - repressions against independent mass media aren't any wonder.

   The second aspect of my professional activity is participation in the gay liberation movement of Ukraine. Because the situation with human rights in general is dramatic, the social status of gay people is even worse - they have to suffer from authorities repressions, from negative public opinion that hasn't changed since Soviet era when homosexuality was a crime according to the SU Penal Code. However the biggest problem for gay men of Ukraine is impossibility to come out and to develop themselves in harmony with their orientation.