The world is entering an era where freedom of self-expression is becoming the cornerstone of human dignity.
Yet today, transgender individuals are once again under threat — their rights are being restricted, their identity questioned, their existence turned into a legal “problem.”

Recent initiatives to ban transgender people from military service, sports, education, and public life are a step backward.
But the real issue lies not in the people themselves, but in how the question is being framed.

So-called “gender transition” is not a crime, not a disease, and not a threat to society. It is a form of personal freedom.
Just as a person may change their name, style, worldview, or religion — they must be free to choose their gender role in society.

How can we protect transgender rights while avoiding legal confusion?

We propose a simple and clear solution:

Distinguish between biological sex (as recorded in official documents) and gender self-expression (as a personal freedom).

Biological sex may, when necessary, be used for limited technical purposes (e.g. in sports or medicine).

BUT — every person must have the full right to live, present, name, and conduct themselves according to their inner sense of gender.

Without fear of being fired, discriminated against, stigmatized, or losing their civil rights.
Without having to “prove” their identity in court or to officials.

We demand:

1. Legal recognition of every person’s right to gender self-expression, regardless of biological sex.

2. A total ban on discrimination based on gender expression in all spheres of life.

3. A legal mechanism that preserves biological sex for technical needs but ensures full freedom of personal expression.

4. The reversal of bans on military service, public participation, education, and employment based on transgender identity.

By supporting this petition, you support freedom, dignity, and humanity.

Now is the moment for humanity to take a step forward — not toward rigid norms, but toward respect for the infinite diversity of the human soul.

***This is an English translation of the original petition addressed personally to President Vladimir Putin. It aims to draw international attention to the issue.

The Russian original:

https://www.change.org/В_защиту_права_на_гендерное_самовыражение