Daria Kasatkina divulges how she’s no more welcomed in Russia due to her sexuality and courageous stand on the Ukraine War
Kasatkina came out as a lesbian two years ago and since then she has been regarded as a ‘hero’ for her bold demeanor.
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Daria Kasatkina (Image Credits: Reuters)
World No. 11, Daria Kasatkina finds it unsafe to go back to her home country Russia ever since she came out as a lesbian and openly condemned the war. The Russian doesn’t mind the given circumstances as she stands firmly in her belief and her identity.
“Now it’s dangerous for me to return home, given the existing regime. As someone with an unconventional orientation who condemns the war, there is simply no going back. I don’t regret it even 1%,” said the Russian in the interview part of a feature written by Tom Kershaw.
Kasatkina shared how a Ukrainian hugged her, asked for a photograph, and thanked her for being vocal about the global situation. Kasatkina has been praised a lot for her stands by fans and players, including fellow Russian Elina Svitolina.
“That person hugging me meant a lot because it was a big risk for me to condemn the war, especially considering my parents are still there, but I couldn’t just stay silent and pretend everything’s okay,” Kasatkina concluded.
It shows her courage to speak against the regime while being a queer person knowing fully well that it’s unsafe, especially for her, considering Russia has passed several anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Also at a time when other players like World No. 2, Aryna Sabalenka have strictly warned that she will not be speaking about the war at all during the Wimbledon.
Last year, the All England Club banned Russian and Belarusian players from participating in Wimbledon due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. But this year they have lifted the ban and significant players will be participating, including Kasatkina.
Daria Kasatkina fearlessly embraces her identity as a queer
The 26-year-old Daria Kasatkina came out as a lesbian two years ago and since then she has been regarded as a ‘hero’ for her bold demeanor. The Russian regime heavily criticizes homosexuality and in the past few years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed several anti-gay laws.
Amidst all this, embracing her sexuality shows the courage that the Russian withholds. Kasatkina has openly talked about LGBTQ+ rights in not just her country, but around the world. Kasatkina announced her relationship off the court with outstanding figure skater Natalia Zabiiako.
“I think it was one of the best decisions of the last year and I’m happy with the outcome, happy with how the things were going after that,” said the Russian about coming out. Kasatkina has become a ‘nomad’ and it would have been extremely tough for her, if not for the support of her traveling family and her girlfriend.
“I wanted to say my position on the war and my [sexuality], which was tough, coming from a country where being gay is not accepted. Afterwards, I faced a few consequences, but the only thing that worried me was my parents, and they were fine. They are proud of me,” shared Kasatkina.
The LGBT community has made major contributions to tennis throughout its history, with renowned pioneers such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova coming out in the 1980s. There are currently several openly lesbian players on the tennis tour, including Sam Stosur, Alison Van Uytvanck, Greet Minnen, and Carla Suárez Navarro. It is worth mentioning, however, that there are currently no openly gay players on the men’s tour.
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Navya Mishra
(407 Articles Published)