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A worker paints the Soviet-era monument in rainbow colours in Kiev, during preparations of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. (Picture: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Activists have spoken of the terrifying circumstances faced by gay and transpeople in Ukraine ahead of Eurovision.

Ukraine won the singing contest last year in Stockholm which sparked immediate concern for the safety of its LGBT fans.

This years theme is Celebrate Diversity, and the local Kiev municipality have started painting the Soviet-era rainbow-shaped sculpture in the colours of LGBT pride.

But according to local activists, who spoke to Metro.co.uk, the paint job was abandoned after disruption from far-right nationalists.

With thousands of European fans expected to travel to Ukraine for the song contest, some locals are now expressingworry.

Olena Shevchenko, an LGBT and womens rights activist based in Kiev, told Metro.co.uk: Everyone should be careful.

Central Kievmight be more or less safe and there are LGBT clubs, but dont go out after midnight and dont stay in those areas outside of the central region.

Olena has run the activist group Insight for 10 years and provides refuge for those fleeing discrimination.

LGBT people, she said, often face extreme violence.

She said: Its very violent.Kiev is the most multicultural place [in Ukraine], but there are many examples of beatings and rape on account of people being LGBT.

They are under reported because many will never go to the police.

Police in Ukraine are reportedly reluctant to investigate violence against LGBT individuals so Olena said she is attempting to educate them across the country.

While Olena is getting involved in Eurovision, other groups are focusing instead on next months Pride march.

Last years march was said to be the first non-violent one, but some locals warnedagainst LGBT westerners parachuting themselves into Ukraine.

Maxim Eristavi was once the only openly gay journalist in Ukraine.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk from Prague, he said there are just 15 LGBT people living openly in the public eye in Ukraine.

It is bleak, he said. There is not a single law [to protect us], no hate crime legislation and no recognition of the situation.

He added: As a citizen of Ukraine you dont exist in the eyes of the state, and there are no civil rights. We dont even know how many violent attacks are taking place against LGBT people. There is no such crime; no statistics.

This is basic stuff. Were not looking at marriage equality like in the west, but just basic protection.

Eurovision is expected to bring thousands of openly gay people to the country sparking hopes among some that the situation may improve.

But Maxim points out that Azerbaijan and Russia both previously hosted the event, but neither saw a positive change in LGBT rights.

Eurovision is the responsibility of each broadcaster of the nation it is being hosted in. Maxim said they were ashamed of even mentioning the community.

He said he met with the organisers to press for a strategy against violent attacks on LGBT people, but was told bluntly that there would be no special protection for the community.

Olena said Insight, however, is planning to become an integral part of the Eurovision fan zone.

They are going to distribute leaflets explaining the precarious situation for LGBT people in Ukraine.

The situation for gay people became markedly more violent after the Euromaidan Revolution.

Olena told Metro.co.uk that nationalist groups are now being seen as heroes thanks to their role in fighting Russian separatists.

She explained: They say they want to protect traditional values.They are against gender equality and anti-migration. With Maidan they gained credibility and visibility.

Despite their fears, both Maxim and Olena are remaining positive.

Olena said that the song contest would bring long overdue discussions about gay rights in Ukraine.

As for LGBT Brits heading to Kiev, Maxim claimed that foreigners are never safer than in Ukraine.

But the British Government was cautious.

Although the UK Foreign Office refused to add comment when asked about the situation LGBT people might face coming from Britain, their website did discuss it.

It warns: Although homosexuality is not prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

There is no provision under Ukrainian discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Kiev Pride in June 2016 passed off without incident.

With tonight being the big night, all eyesare on Kiev to see just how committed to celebrating diversity Ukraine is.

The Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC, told Metro.co.uk:Security measures are one of the most important criteria of choosing the city for Eurovision. Kyiv has proved the ability to guarantee safety of its guests on various events: Euro 2012,Hockey championship 2017, Kyiv Pride 2016 equality march, many marathons and demonstrations for human rights.

The national police and law enforcement agencies are being constantly trained and their professionalism leaves no doubt.

The city is sure to make all guests feel comfortable and safe and have unforgettable emotions after visiting Ukraine.

More here:
Eurovision 2017: LGBT activists describe anti-gay violence in Ukraine - Metro