Lyosha Gorshkov

Lyosha, currently the Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives at Colgate University, is a passionate advocate for human rights, with a strong focus on LGBTIQ and gender equality. Lyosha's dedication to the cause stems from their personal experience as a queer professor at Perm State University in Russia, where Lyosha faced threats from the FSB, Russian domestic security agency, compelling Lyosha to flee their home country. 

Despite the challenges Lyosha encountered, Lyosha's commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community remains unwavering. Previously serving as Co-President of RUSA LGBT, Lyosha organized impactful events such as Brighton Beach Pride, fostering dialogue and addressing deep-rooted homophobia in Russian-speaking areas of Brooklyn.

Lyosha continues to serve on the board of RUSA and, in a new role at Colgate University,Lyosha spearheads initiatives that prioritize LGBTQ+ rights and foster a welcoming environment for all members of the campus community.