On the New Board and 501(c)3 Status

New York, NY, February 14, 2023: RUSA LGBTQ Corp. (RUSA), a community-based support network of Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ immigrants and allies in the United States, is proud to announce that it has received its 501(c)3 status backdated to June 28, 2022, which allows the organization to accept tax-deductible contributions and gifts.

RUSA has been a grassroots group since 2008. The organization’s mission is to support Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers on their journeys to becoming American citizens. RUSA advocates for LGBTQ+ justice and equality and fosters community among Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ people residing in the United States and worldwide. RUSA organizes community events and educational and informational programs, provides emergency assistance to recent LGBTQ immigrants and refugees, and engages in advocacy for immigrant and LGBTQ justice, for example, through its annual Brighton Beach Pride. RUSA is excited to continue its work and looks forward to serving newcomers and promoting more and better service, and realizing the rights of LGBTQ migrants and refugees regardless of their countries of origin.

In addition to this milestone, RUSA is proud to announce the formation of its first Board of Directors, consisting of Yelena Goltsman (RUSA Founder and President), Ezra Abdullabekov (Vice President), Tanzilya Oren (Treasurer), Dante Matero (Secretary), Aleksei Gorshkov (Member), Lieb Fischbach (Member) and Nina Zaretsky (Member). The board will provide governance, strategic direction, and support for the organization as it carries out its mission.

“We are thrilled to have received 501(c)3 status and to have such a talented and dedicated group of individuals on our board,” said Yelena Goltsman. “This is a significant step forward in our journey to achieve our grand vision of the world where people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities exercise their human rights fully, openly, and safely, without fear, violence, bigotry, or discrimination, and we are eager to move ahead with our work. Let us all do our part.