Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv student Yuliana Kaznodiy was fired from her job at the G × KYIV beauty bar due to her actions during the KyivPride march on June 21, where she trampled on the LGBTQI+ flag. This was reported on the official page of the company G × KYIV.
Termination of cooperation and company's position
During the march, the girl trampled on the LGBTQI+ flag, and when asked why she did it, she stated that she was "wiping her feet" because she had "soiled her sneakers."
In their new statement, G × KYIV representatives reiterated that among their clients, partners, and team members are LGBTQK+ people, so for them, "this is absolutely normal."
"Regardless of the country, experience, or personal history of a person, we strive to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and accepted at G. That is why we absolutely unequivocally do not share Yuliana's statements and actions, and what was done with the flag.", - the company's statement reads.
Against the backdrop of this incident, the company announced that they are no longer cooperating with Yuliana Kaznodiy and added that they are "taking a pause to soon return with a more detailed reminder of the values on which the brand is built."
The girl's apology
Earlier, the G × KYIV beauty bar, where Yuliana worked, released a statement saying they do not share such actions and statements of their employee, and that this act outraged them. At that time, the company assured that they were разбираться (dealing with) the situation within the team.
The girl herself posted on the day before, stating that she has "her own beliefs, values, and life experience" that have shaped her "as a person," but apologized for her actions.
"Yes, my vision of the institution of family is fundamentally different… At the same time, I understand that my action with the LGBTQI+ flag offended many people. I know and apologize if I hurt someone's feelings with this act. I did not intend to humiliate anyone.", - the girl stated.
Pressure from the community
LGBTQK+ organizations, even before the official decision of the establishment, actively urged G×Kyiv to react. The UkrainePride organization called trampling the flag "unacceptable," noting that such actions "send a signal to a whole segment of Ukrainians that they are in danger here." KyivPride, in its appeal to the bar, expressed confidence in shared values and "hope for the right decision."
