About OURS IN THE USA

OURS IN THE USA is a service and human rights nonprofit organization founded by Russian-speaking immigrants in the United States.
We create a safe and supportive space for those who left their countries in search of freedom and safety.

Our mission is to help members of the LGBTQI+ community adapt, feel the power of unity, and embrace their identity with pride.

We connect people, launch support and cultural initiatives, advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ refugees and detainees, and build spaces where everyone can be themselves without fear.

What We Do

Organize offline and online community gatherings
Develop the Pride Ecosystem support program
Run the human rights project #EndLGBTDetention
Partner with U.S. organizations to participate in major events such as WeHo Pride and Pride Afterglow
Publish reports on human rights violations of LGBTQI+ people in the U.S. and Russia

Our Story

October 20, 2022

The first online chat for Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ immigrants was created, offering a safe space for people seeking support after leaving their home countries.

2023

The community grew to over 1,500 members worldwide and became a key platform for connection, experience sharing, and mutual support among LGBTQI+ people immigrating to the United States.

January 2024

The community decided to formally establish a nonprofit organization to expand its work and build sustainable programs of support.

February 18, 2024

OURS IN THE USA hosted its first in-person community meeting in Los Angeles, bringing together dozens of Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ immigrants.

May 24, 2024

The organization was officially registered as a nonprofit, marking the beginning of its legal and institutional foundation.

June 3, 2024

OURS IN THE USA proudly participated in WeHo Pride for the first time, joining the Imperial Court of Los Angeles and Hollywood in the parade.

August 17, 2024

Launch of the Pride Café, a pilot project under the Pride Ecosystem initiative, providing safe offline gatherings for community members.

October 16, 2024

Launch of #EndLGBTDetention, a national human rights campaign advocating for the release and protection of detained LGBTQI+ asylum seekers

2025

January 11

The first official Board of Directors meeting was held, where the organization adopted its Bylaws and long-term strategic vision.

March 12

OURS IN THE USA officially obtained its 501(c)(3) charitable status, confirming its recognition as a tax-exempt nonprofit in the United States.

April 14

The documentary project “Made for Freedom” began filming, telling the real stories of LGBTQI+ migrants and the creation of OURS IN THE USA.

June 1

The organization took part in WeHo Pride 2025, representing the Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ community alongside major local partners.

June 7

OURS IN THE USA hosted Pride Afterglow, a large community celebration supported by WeHo Pride and the City of West Hollywood, bringing together more than 200 guests and volunteers.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR MISSION

Meet Our Board and Team

A collective of passionate leaders and volunteers dedicated to empowering the Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ community in the United States.

View All TEAM

Dmitrii Tur

President

Human rights advocate, community leader, and one of the co-founders of OURS IN THE USA. Dmitrii leads the organization’s mission to support and empower Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S.

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Kirill Surnachev

Vice President

Community organizer and event host focused on LGBTQI+ visibility and inclusion. Kirill strengthens outreach and public representation of the organization.

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Danila Zeliuk

Treasurer

Financial coordinator ensuring transparency and accountability in all organizational operations and charitable programs.

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Ivanka Osina-Fridman

Secretary of the Board of Directors

Filmmaker, creative professional, and activist dedicated to documenting stories of LGBTQI+ migration and visibility through media and art.

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Eugene Maysky

Secretary of the Board of Directors

Community representative and liaison with local advisory boards and public institutions, supporting cooperation with the City of West Hollywood and partner organizations.

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