Sevets Ermolina Natalia

About

Natalia Sevets-Ermolina is a journalist, feminist activist, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, born in the Republic of Moldova and known primarily for her work in the Russian Federation, where she worked in the press in Karelia and founded her own glossy magazine. She studied at the "Gorky" Literary Institute in Moscow, and over the years has built her reputation through engaged journalism, independent cultural projects, and firm public stances in defense of freedom of expression and minorities. In 2023, she was included in the Reforum Space network, becoming a coordinator at Reforum Space Budva, where she focuses on community building and facilitating communication within organizations. One of her most well-known initiatives was the independent space Agriculture_club, created in 2015, which hosted conferences, discussions, and lectures dedicated to culture and social issues. The project quickly attracted public attention, including hostile reactions from conservative circles, and some events were followed by pressure and interventions from the authorities. Natalia Sevets-Ermolina was also a member of the Council of the Union of Journalists of Karelia, confirming her active role in the regional journalistic environment and in defending the profession. Following the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Natalia Sevets-Ermolina faced increasing pressure in Russia: she was fined for her public stances, declared a "foreign agent" in 2023, and subsequently left the country, continuing her work from exile. Publicly, she also spoke about her personal life, identifying as a lesbian and using her visibility to support the LGBTQ+ community, including through messages of solidarity and civic-impact cultural projects. Public materials also mention that she has a son; otherwise, her biography is defined primarily by her professional activity, social engagement, and experience of political persecution.